21 February 2024 (ADDISABABA, Ethiopia) – The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, H.E. Belete Molla Getahun, to fortify ties and promote collaborative efforts in science, technology, innovation, and digitalization.
In this historic move, the OSC and the Ministry commit to a strategic partnership that promises to catalyse endogenous digital transformation, capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and youth exchange programmes. This partnership is a testament to the power of South-South cooperation and the shared vision of a sustainable Third Way of Development.
The MOU addresses initiatives to develop tailored capacity-building programmes for the Ministry’s experts and officials, leveraging OSC’s resources and expertise. Knowledge-sharing between the parties will amplify the impact of successful policies and projects, setting a precedent for Member States of the OSC.
Recognising the critical role of the youth in shaping the future, the Memorandum provides for the creation of new opportunities for Ethiopian youth through educational programmes and scholarships, particularly in the fields of science and technology.
The collaboration that will stem from this MoU is set to foster significant advancements in Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure, enhancing public services and bolstering the economy’s key sectors through technology. This agreement marks a leap forward in realising Ethiopia’s potential as a digital economy powerhouse.
A Joint Technical Committee will be established to structure and undertake cooperative areas identified in the MoU, ensuring the swift and effective implementation of agreed-upon projects and initiatives. The Memorandum is not the final word but the beginning of an ongoing dialogue and cooperation, with provisions for regular consultations to explore additional avenues for joint projects within the spirit of the agreement.
The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) was established on 29 January 2020 by countries and organisations from across the Global South at the International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education held in the Republic of Djibouti. As the first intergovernmental organisation of and by the Greater South, the OSC acts as an instrument of intellectual, technical and financial cooperation and solidarity between its Member States as well as its Associate Members in the pursuit of a Third Way of Development – from the South, for Humanity.
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