Ethopia Aims to Become Africa’s Digital Gateway, Empowering Creators at Inaugural Influencers Summit
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopia is positioning itself as Africa’s next digital hub, with government officials calling for stronger collaboration between policymakers and social media influencers to drive continental growth. The push was highlighted at the first-ever African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026, held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa.
A Digital Vision for Ethiopia
Bereket Driba, Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), outlined the country’s ambitious plan to expand digital infrastructure. The goal? To empower a new generation of content creators, innovators, and storytellers who can shape Africa’s digital future.
“We are committed to transforming Ethiopia into a continental digital gateway,” Bereket said. “This means not just improving connectivity but ensuring creators have the tools to collaborate, innovate, and engage in public interest initiatives.”
The government is actively seeking partnerships with influencers, particularly to boost tourism, a key economic sector. However, Bereket emphasized that creators are free to work independently while still contributing to national priorities.
Influencers as Policy Shapers
Beyond entertainment, speakers at the summit stressed the growing role of digital creators in policy advocacy and continental integration.
“Social media influencers are no longer just entertainers—they are key stakeholders in shaping Africa’s future,” said Ashagrie G. Abdi, an international human rights lawyer and strategic advisor. He noted that policymakers increasingly rely on influencer-generated content to understand public sentiment and emerging trends.
Botho Kebabonye Bayendi, Strategic Planning and Delivery Director at the AU Commission, echoed this sentiment but warned of a critical gap: implementation.
“Frameworks exist, policies are in place—what we lack is action,” Bayendi said. She urged member states to align AU and UN digital strategies with national plans, calling for measurable progress rather than endless policy drafting.
Challenges: Data Governance and Misinformation
While digital growth offers opportunities, concerns remain. Bayendi highlighted data governance as a pressing issue, pointing to cases where content creators face arbitrary equipment seizures under questionable security claims—a practice that contradicts regional commitments.
Panelists also warned against the dangers of misinformation, emphasizing that influencers must balance promotion with accountability. “Accurate information builds public trust,” one speaker noted. “But false narratives can derail development agendas.”
A Borderless Future for African Content
The summit underscored the borderless power of social media, encouraging creators to leverage their platforms to push for policy changes and continental unity.
“Digital platforms now provide direct access to leaders—more than traditional channels ever could,” Bayendi said. She urged influencers to use this reach to advocate for AU’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
What’s Next?
Ethiopia’s push for a digital revolution signals a broader shift in how African nations view influencers—not just as marketers, but as agents of change. With the right policies and partnerships, the continent’s digital creators could play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s next decade.
— Reported by Nexio News
