2025 Training - Participant Reflections
Rosa Tsegaye Aga
Project Manager & Director, Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute
From my BSc to PhD in AI, I’ve long been passionate about leveraging technology to drive impact, in my home country, Ethiopia, and across the African continent at large. However – until participating in IDIA’s Managing Innovation for Impact Global Training Programme in June 2025 – my work has primarily centred on the development and deployment of AI-driven tools, rather than their scaling and integration in innovation ecosystems to advance transformative change.
For me, the IDIA’s Global Training Programme was a game-changer. It forced me to pause and re-evaluate my work. Were my innovations truly achieving sustainable impact, or were they stuck in the development phase? The program opened my eyes to the power of strategic scaling, equipping me with practical frameworks and tools to ensure that technological advancements create widespread, lasting benefits across entire communities, sectors and systems.
Beyond enhancing my knowledge, the training experience itself was exceptional. From the moment I arrived, it was clear the programme wasn’t going to be your usual workshop or professional training course, overcrowded with presentations that leave little space for peer-to-peer connection. Facilitated by world-leading development innovation experts, every detail was meticulously designed for maximum learning, networking and personal reflection. The content and trainers were exceptional – not to mention the majestic and inspiring location, Ashridge House in Berkhamsted, UK. For me, the programme was far more than informative; it was transformational.
Key Shifts in My Perspective:
1. Scaling Is Integral to Impactful Design – Many innovations fail to create real change because they lack a coherent scaling strategy from the outset. Thanks to IDIA, I now understand how to bridge the gap between development and impact.
2. Strong Innovation Ecosystems Are Foundations of Transformative Change – For Africa to realize its technological potential, we need well-structured ecosystems that promote multistakeholder collaboration and sustainable pathways to scale.
3. Storytelling Is a Powerful Driver of Impact – One of the most valuable lessons was learning to communicate my work effectively through thought-leadership. In both development and life in general, a compelling story starts with the ‘why’— outlining the motivation and drive, before diving into the ‘how’ and ‘what’. This approach helps others connect with and believe in the mission of a project, decision or approach.
Today, I no longer just build AI solutions – I ensure they scale for real-world impact. Thanks to IDIA, I now feel equipped with lifelong skills to advance successful, scalable and impactful innovations both in Ethiopia and wherever my work takes me next. With the right strategies, Africa can accelerate its technological growth and keep pace with the rest of the world. The challenge? Moving from countless innovation projects to truly transformative solutions.
IDIA’s training didn’t just teach me; it challenged my thinking and reshaped my entire approach to innovation. And now, I’m ready to translate my learnings into action and real-world impact. True innovation isn’t just about creation—it’s about scaling, iteration and, ultimately, transformation.
