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Ethiopia, 24 October 2025 — Ethio Coders Programme, the nationwide technology initiative spearheaded by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, is reshaping the future of thousands of young people in the Somali Regional State.
The programme, designed to equip Ethiopia’s youthful population with vital digital skills, has not only hit its mark in the region but has exceeded its initial targets, according to regional officials.
The Director of Network and Data Management of the regional state, Abdiasis Abdiwahab, hailed the program as a major success, demonstrating the region’s commitment to digital literacy.
“For the Somali Regional State, the target was 354,828 students over three years. In the first year, the goal was 88,707, but we reached more than 100,000 students — a clear indication of the effort and success achieved in implementing the program,” said the Director.
The program, championed by Prime Minister Abiy, is designed to train five million youth nationwide between 2024 and 2026, with each regional state allocated slots.
Abdiasis said in the current year, the region aims to reach 124,190 students from various districts. The training sessions are focused on high-demand skills, including coding, website design, and technological innovation.
The Director emphasized that the program specifically targets university students, high school learners, and government employees to ensure broad impact in the regional market.
“Ethio Coders is a program that empowers young people to create self-employment opportunities and respond to global shifts toward digital skills,” he said.
The tangible impact is already being felt by youths in the region.
“I am studying in the Ethio Coders program, and it has turned me into a skilled individual. The time I once spent on leisure and sports, I now dedicate to developing skills that help me earn a dignified living,” said one of the students.
To cement its position as a regional tech leader, Somali Regional State also operates an Innovation Hub. The facility is key to nurturing the digital and creative skills of graduates, ensuring streams of locally trained workers enter the job market every year.
