Abiy Named AU Champion for AI and Digital Health as U.S. Business Delegation Deepens Ties in Addis

EBR_News March 9, 2026

By Betegbar Yaregal

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has been appointed as the African Union Champion for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce following a high-level business delegation to Addis Ababa during the 39th African Union Heads of State Summit in February. The appointment came as AU leaders moved from broad declarations to targeted action, adopting the 2026 theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” and launching the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, the report stated. Leaders also elevated the African Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, backed by voluntary contributions to the Africa Epidemics Fund, and reaffirmed Africa’s common position on UN Security Council reform.

A dozen executives from Abbott, MSD (Merck), Google, Illumina, and Mastercard joined the U.S. Chamber delegation led by Kendra Gaither, President of the Chamber’s U.S.-Africa Business Center, from February 13-17. The delegation engaged with African leaders on priorities including health, sanitation, workforce development, digital transformation, and strategic infrastructure, according to the report authored by Dr. Guevera Yao, Vice President of the U.S.-Africa Business Center.

Google’s Regional Director for Africa, Charles Murito, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UN Economic Commission for Africa and a strategic technical agreement with the African Union, both focused on upskilling to prepare a continent expected to be home to one-third of the global workforce by 2050.

The delegation also attended “Spotlight on AI in Ethiopia,” hosted by U.S. Ambassador Erv Massinga, where business executives and African partners discussed how AI and cloud technology can expand connectivity, strengthen skills, and support climate resilience.

The delegation met with the AU Commissioner in charge of Trade, the inaugural Director General of the African Medicines Agency, and engaged with Africa CDC Director General and ministers from multiple African nations including Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco on issues ranging from digital trade and sustainable health financing to workforce development.

The report concluded that African leaders want U.S. businesses as long-term, responsive partners, not visitors, emphasizing that when companies listen carefully and respond locally, they help build systems that give people more control and opportunity.