Ministry of Innovation and Technology

Description

The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MiNT) is a federal government institution in Ethiopia responsible for shaping and advancing the country’s science, innovation, technology, and digital transformation agenda. It was originally established in December 1975 as a science and technology commission and has since evolved through various reorganizations, including later becoming a ministry and, most recently, being reorganized in 2019 by merging the former Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. This merger gave MiNT a broader mandate to not only advance scientific research and technological development but also to lead the nation’s digital economy initiatives and innovation ecosystems. MiNT’s core responsibilities include formulating and implementing national policies, strategies, and programs that promote research and development, technology transfer, digitalization, and innovation culture across economic and social sectors. It supports capacity building for institutions at federal and regional levels, integrates technology and innovation into educational systems, and facilitates the growth of startups and technology-driven enterprises. The ministry also plays a central role in implementing Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, aiming to expand digital services, enhance internet and technology infrastructure, and build digital skills nationwide to drive economic transformation and competitiveness.