As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly reshape creative industries worldwide, Ethiopian stakeholders have begun taking proactive steps to understand how this technological transformation intersects with the nation’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

The significance of this issue was highlighted on July 2,2026 , when the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences hosted a high-level panel discussion at the Ethiopian Heritage Authority hall, titled: “Artificial Intelligence and the Arts: Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions.” The forum convened researchers, policy experts, and creative professionals for an in-depth analysis of the potential impact of AI on Ethiopia’s artistic landscape.

The central agenda of the discussion focused on a pivotal question: Should AI be viewed as a catalyst for creative advancement or a threat to the authenticity of traditional arts?

In today’s global landscape, AI has reached a highly sophisticated level in generating music, literature, and visual arts. While the technology offers significant potential for preserving Ethiopian cultural assets, it simultaneously raises critical concerns regarding intellectual property rights, the ethical use of data, and the potential erosion of unique cultural expressions.

Seretse Ferehiwot, Director General of the Ethiopian Archives and Library Service, emphasized that integrating public policy with the preservation of artistic resources is essential to safeguarding the nation’s collective memory.

In a similar vein, Wondwosen Mulugeta highlighted the importance of “data feeding”—training AI models on Ethiopian languages and artistic content. He stressed that this process must be anchored in local ethical and legal principles to ensure cultural relevance and integrity.

The technology has sparked a dual perspective among industry experts. Proponents view AI as a powerful assistant—a tool that can help artists analyze complex compositions, facilitate cross-lingual translation, and restore damaged archival records.

Conversely, some critics argue that AI threatens to diminish human creativity, expressing concern that an over-reliance on foreign-trained technological models could lead to the homogenization of Ethiopian art and the loss of its distinct cultural identity.

The events concluded that the path forward requires the responsible use of AI within the arts, investment in national data sovereignty, and the fostering of robust collaboration between technology developers and the creative community.

Sunday Morning, also known in French as Dimanche matin, a vibrant 3D animated project created by Minasie Terefe and produced by Behagerlij Studio, has been awarded the prestigious AGrAF -Association des Auteurs de Groupements de l’Animation Française- prize for Best TV Series or Special at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.

This victory took place during the International Animation Film Market (MIFA), which ran from June 21–27, 2026. Out of more than 850 international projects, Sunday Morning was selected as one of only 14 entries, marking it as a significant milestone for a fully African-developed project on the world’s most influential animation stage.

Written by Minasie Terefe, Ephrem Terefe, and Ermias Assefa, the series follows four siblings who attempt to turn their quiet Sunday mornings into epic adventures, all while struggling to keep their sleepy mother asleep.

This slice-of-life family comedy has captured the attention of global media giants, having been optioned for development as a potential Disney Channel and Disney+ animated series.

For Minasie Terefe, who leads the Addis Ababa-based Behagerlij Studio, this recognition is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the growth of a nascent industry. Terefe, who notably transitioned to animation after a successful career in architecture, views the award as a pivotal moment for Ethiopia.

“The animation industry… I can’t even call it an industry yet, because it is still in its infancy,” Terefe noted. While the sector in Ethiopia remains heavily reliant on commercial commissions and advertising, projects like Sunday Morning prove that the region possesses the creative depth to produce high-quality, original content.

By securing this prize, the Sunday Morning team—supported by the Habesha Creative Lab incubator and mentors Chrystel Poncet and Mounia ARAM—is helping to shift local perspectives. Once seen by many as an “absurd” or “unnecessary” career path, animation is now increasingly recognized in Ethiopia as a viable and respected profession.

As Minasie emphasizes, while the sector is still in its early stages, the global attention from Annecy confirms that the world is beginning to take notice of the unique stories emerging from Addis Ababa.