African Influencers Visit Ethiopian Infrastructure and AI Sites During Addis Ababa Summit
Social media creators from across Africa visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and infrastructure sites during the African Social Media Influencers Summit in Addis Ababa. Participants highlighted Ethiopia's advances in technology, roads, airports and cultural preservation as models for the continent. The summit occurred days before an AllAfrica report published on 8 May 2026.
abcnews.go.comLeading African social media influencers attending the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026 in Addis Ababa said Ethiopia's progress in infrastructure, technology, and cultural preservation offers valuable lessons for the rest of the continent.
The summit brought together prominent digital creators, media personalities, communication experts, and content producers from across Africa to promote authentic African narratives through digital platforms. Participants of the African Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) 2026 visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, corridor development projects in Addis Ababa, and other key infrastructure sites.
The visits took place in the Ethiopian capital as part of the gathering that concluded shortly before AllAfrica reported on the event. Renowned Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya said Ethiopia's inclusive transformation could become an important example for African countries. Wode Maya has frequently promoted Ethiopia through his digital platforms and first visited the country in 2017.
Wode Maya said Ethiopia in 2026 has extensive road networks, large scale infrastructure projects, modern developments, and the construction of a new airport. "I always love coming here because this is a country I personally admire," Wode Maya said. " "Every time I witness the transformation taking place in this beautiful country, I feel motivated to show it to the rest of the world," Wode Maya added.
Nigerian content creator and influencer Chukwueze Odinaka praised Ethiopia's growing focus on artificial intelligence. Chukwueze Odinaka said Ethiopia is one of Africa's emerging leaders in artificial intelligence. "At a time when artificial intelligence is shaping the future of the world, Ethiopia's attention to this sector is admirable," Chukwueze Odinaka said.
He said Ethiopia's investments in artificial intelligence will play a significant role in both national development and individual empowerment. "Artificial intelligence is controlling the world today. Therefore, investing in this technology is very important for nations as well as individuals," Chukwueze Odinaka stated.
Another participant, Tealo Lualo from Lesotho, highlighted Ethiopia's unique historical identity. Tealo Lualo said Ethiopia has never been colonized and has its own calendar. "One of the things I always tell my friends about Ethiopia is that I admire the country for two reasons," Tealo Lualo said.
Tealo Lualo said preserving culture is very important. He said Ethiopia teaches Africa that culture and identity are powerful assets.
AllAfrica reported the article on 8 May 2026.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2017
Wode Maya first visited Ethiopia
1 sourceAllAfrica - 2026
ASMIS 2026 summit held in Addis Ababa with site visits to Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute and infrastructure projects
1 sourceAllAfrica - 2026-05-08
AllAfrica publishes report on the summit and influencer statements
1 sourceAllAfrica - 2026-05-09
Current date of reporting
1 sourceAllAfrica
Potential Impact
- 01
Elevated visibility of Ethiopia's cultural heritage narrative among continental content creators
- 02
Increased digital promotion of Ethiopian development across African social media platforms
- 03
Potential for greater cross-African collaboration on AI and infrastructure policy learning
Transparency Panel
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