ADDIS ABABA
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on Ethiopian youth to take advantage of the government’s flagship digital skills initiative, urging them to enroll in the free 5 Million Coders (ECODES) program as the country seeks to expand its pool of digitally skilled citizens.
In a message posted on social media Wednesday, Abiy encouraged young Ethiopians to use the summer months to acquire skills that are increasingly essential in the modern economy.
“Dear Ethiopian Youth, this summer presents an opportunity that should not be allowed to pass idly,” the prime minister wrote. “The 5 Million Coders courses are available free, and the certification is internationally recognized. Five million Ethiopians have already made their decision. Now, it is your turn.”
Launched on July 23, 2024, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, the initiative has already surpassed its original target of 5 million enrollments.
In June 2026, Abiy described the achievement as evidence of Ethiopia’s growing digital ambitions and the determination of the country’s young people.
He urged continued participation as Ethiopia works toward a new goal of training 7 million coders by August 2026.
The nationwide initiative seeks to equip Ethiopian youth with digital literacy and foundational technology skills needed for education, employment and entrepreneurship.
As Ethiopia pursues its ambition of becoming a lower-middle-income country, officials say strengthening digital capabilities among young people is critical to economic competitiveness and inclusive growth.
Participants can choose from four learning tracks: programming fundamentals, data science fundamentals, artificial intelligence fundamentals and Android Kotlin development.
The fully funded courses, which run for six to seven weeks, are supported by mentors who provide daily assistance through a dedicated online community platform.
Students who successfully complete the training receive internationally recognized certifications designed to enhance their employment prospects in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
The initiative also aims to promote creativity, innovation and problem-solving while expanding access to digital education across the country.
According to the program’s objectives, at least 50% of participants are expected to be young women, with a particular focus on reaching youth in rural communities.
The government also plans to work with schools, technical and vocational education institutions and other training centers to integrate digital literacy into existing curricula as part of a broader effort to prepare Ethiopia’s youth for an increasingly digital economy.
