Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, August 15, 2025 — The Frontier Tech Leaders (FTL) Programme proudly celebrated the graduation of its first-ever Ethiopian cohort from the Machine Learning Bootcamp. Hosted at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the ceremony honoured the achievements of 95 graduates, the largest graduating class in FTL history, who completed months of rigorous training and delivered innovative, impact-driven capstone projects.

Launched earlier this year, the FTL Machine Learning Bootcamp aimed to equip participants from Ethiopia with cutting-edge digital skills. The programme brought together young talents committed to driving sustainable development. Over the course of the programme, graduates tackled coding challenges, hands-on projects, and community-led initiatives, positioning themselves as Ethiopia’s next generation of tech leaders.

The ceremony featured inspiring addresses from distinguished participants, including H.E. Dr. Bayissa Badada, State Minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia; Mr. Erhan Sırt, Head of Multilateral Development Cooperation Department, Presidency of Strategy and Budget, Presidency of Türkiye;  Mr. Thabani Mabodoko, UNDP Ethiopia Deputy Resident Representative; Mr. Sahba Sobhani, Director of ICPSD; Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank (UNTB); and Mr. Gökhan Dikmener, Chief Technical Advisor for AI, Digital Transformation and Skills at UNDP ICPSD.

H.E. Dr. Bayissa Badada welcomed all guests and stated, “Frontier Tech Leaders Programme graduates represent the future of our tech ecosystem, and their success reflects what is possible when we invest in skills, innovation, and inclusive opportunity.” 

Mr. Erhan Sırt highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to Least Developed Countries and young talent: “Türkiye firmly believes that investing in young talent is crucial for progress. Your dedication and passion for learning will help shape a brighter digital future for your communities.”

Mr. Thabani Mabodoko, UNDP Ethiopia Deputy Resident Representative, addressed the graduates, “The skills you have acquired are more than steppingstones to personal advancement; they are building blocks for shaping the digital future of your communities, your country, Africa, and even the world.”

Mr. Sahba Sobhani congratulated the graduates for their resilience and ambition: “The future belongs to those who dare to think differently, challenge the status quo, and use technology as a force for good.”

Mr. Deodat Maharaj emphasized the transformative impact of the programme: “The Frontier Tech Leaders Programme plays a crucial role in bridging this gap and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.”

Programme coordinator Ms. Beril Benli delivered a presentation highlighting the programme’s mission to bridge the digital divide in Least Developed Countries by equipping youth with technical, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. 

The FTL Ethiopia Bootcamp attracted over 3,600 applications and graduated 95 participants - one-third of them women - who developed 29 digital projects aligned with the SDGs. Additionally, 124 Ethiopians were trained on AI skills through community trainings.

The Bootcamp graduate Ms. Mahlet Seyoum shared her personal journey and the social impact of her team’s award-winning project: “Innovation can come from anywhere, and it belongs to everyone. Our AI-enhanced, offline-first adaptive e-learning platform is designed for rural communities, delivering inclusive, accessible education that can transform lives in Ethiopia and beyond.”

In his closing remarks, Mr. Gökhan Dikmener addressed the graduates: “Today we celebrate not just a graduation, but a beginning. You are now part of a global network of changemakers. Keep learning, keep innovating, and continue to use technology as a tool for progress. Your journey has only just begun.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to the top capstone projects, recognizing solutions that demonstrated both advanced technological application and alignment with the SDGs:

• 1st Place: AI-Powered Coffee Leaf Disease Detection for Ethiopian Farmers by Rabiya Abdulnassir, Luel Assefa, Abdulkerim Issa Osman

• 2nd Place: AI-Powered Sign Language Translator by Habtamu Tadese, Sineshaw Legese, Arsema Mandefro Zegeye, Meseret Bolled

• 2nd Place: Malaria Diagnosis System by Zelalem Abera Regassa, Zelalem Wubet, Abel Mekonn, Delina Mulubrhan

• 3rd Place: Personalized Learning System for Ethiopian Education by Liya Tegared Bitew, Mekdes Birhanu, Mussie Leake Beraki, Yordanos Teku, Dagmawit Endale

Looking ahead, the Frontier Tech Leaders Programme will continue to support Ethiopian graduates through mentorship, a Virtual Digital Business Pre-Incubation programme, and community events.