ADDIS ABABA, Nov 18. (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on Saturday called for concerted efforts to encourage technical innovation to boost the country's economic development.
Speaking at the 8th National Science and Technology Innovation award (NSTIA) ceremony held in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Desalegn said encouraging innovations can make Ethiopia's economic growth more comprehensive.
Pointing to his government's focus on innovation the premier gave 29 gold, 50 silvers and 66 bronze medals for 145 innovators, students, researchers and teachers for their contribution in Ethiopia's ICT sector.
He further said while Ethiopia's ongoing economic growth is bringing about growth in the Information and Technology (ICT) sector more efforts is needed to inspire innovators for more successes.
"I call upon the awardees to modify and improve their ICT innovations, to transform the 80 percent of Ethiopians who live in agricultural and pastoral communities," said Desalegn.
Started in 2009 the annual NSTIA has so far awarded more than 1600 budding innovators.
Ethiopia hopes the ICT sector will be a key anchor of its economic ambition, which sees the East African country become a net zero carbon emitting middle income economy by 2025.
