Addis Ababa to host World Internet Conference in September, first time outside China
World Internet Conference Addis Ababa will host the global tech summit in September, the first time the event is held outside China.
Addis Ababa is set to host the World Internet Conference (WIC) this September. This marks the first time the global technology summit will be held outside China since its launch in 2012.
The announcement follows high-level talks in which Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, met World Internet Conference Deputy Secretary General Lian Hao. Preparations are already underway, and both sides confirmed that technical groundwork has begun and logistical groundwork is in progress, to ensure the event is delivered successfully.
World Internet Conference moves beyond China for first time to Addis Ababa
The World Internet Conference has traditionally been hosted annually in Wuzhen, China. It has grown into a major global forum for digital policy, emerging technologies, and internet governance. Staging the conference in Addis Ababa marks a shift for the organisation and positions Ethiopia as a key host on the global technology calendar.
According to Ethiopian officials, the September conference will bring together global technology companies, policymakers, academics, and senior government representatives. The WIC has over 200 major international technology institutions as its members. These include firms like Google, IBM, NVIDIA, and Alibaba.
Ethiopia positions itself as regional digital hub
Minister Belete Molla said Ethiopia has experience in hosting major international summits. This experience puts it in a strong position to deliver the conference. He added that the government is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the event meets international standards and strengthen Ethiopia's profile as a destination for conference tourism.
WIC Deputy Secretary General Lian Hao confirmed that technical preparations have already begun. Collaboration between Ethiopian authorities and WIC organisers will intensify in the coming months as planning progresses.
World Internet Conference Addis Ababa: Focus on technology transfer and investment
Ethiopian media have described the decision to host the World Internet Conference as a milestone for the country’s digital economy. Officials expect the summit to create opportunities for technology transfer, policy dialogue, and expanded investment in Ethiopia’s growing technology sector.
The conference also aligns with Ethiopia’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which aims to expand connectivity, develop digital skills and attract international partnerships in technology and innovation.
Sources
What was confirmed: World Internet Conference Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa will host the World Internet Conference in September 2026.
- This is the first time the conference will be held outside China.
- Preparatory and technical work has already begun between Ethiopian authorities and WIC organisers.
Who was contacted
- No direct comment was sought by Newz.Africa at the time of publication.
Primary artefacts
- Statements from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology.
Outreach log
- No outreach conducted before publication.
