Wingu and Ethiopian AI Institute Partner to Boost AI Startups
Wingu, East Africa’s first carrier-neutral data centre operator, has joined forces with the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) to foster a thriving AI startup ecosystem in the country.
The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation by identifying and supporting promising AI startups that demonstrate potential for growth and alignment with Ethiopia’s national development goals.
Startups involved in the program will benefit from access to Wingu’s Tier III-certified data centre located in Addis Ababa, which offers robust, secure infrastructure designed to handle intensive computing demands and provide scalable solutions.
“Africa’s AI future is being built today, and it starts by empowering local innovators with the tools, infrastructure, and mentorship they need to succeed,” said Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer at Wingu Africa. “This partnership reflects our commitment to helping Ethiopia’s digital economy reach new heights, while creating real, scalable impact.”
The partnership marks a strategic move to leverage local talent and emerging technologies, positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for AI advancement. By combining EAII’s expertise in AI research and its role in nurturing startups with Wingu’s advanced data centre capabilities, the initiative seeks to deliver critical resources and mentorship to early-stage AI companies focused on developing impactful, future-ready technologies.
“We are not only supporting startups, we are investing in the country’s technological sovereignty and future competitiveness,” said the Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Worku Gachena (PHD) “Through this collaboration, we’re ensuring that Ethiopian innovations can scale beyond borders and lead at a global level.”
As East Africa’s largest economy, Ethiopia stands to benefit significantly from this partnership. The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with active engagement from ecosystem stakeholders, including academia, industry players, and international partners.