The Ethiopian delegation poses for a group photo with Jack Ma (middle), founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Aug 13. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A government delegation from Ethiopia visited Alibaba Group in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on Aug 13, with the purpose of seeking solutions to develop its own national digital economy.

Led by Getahun Mekuria, minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, the delegation aims to learn the philosophy of Alibaba's success as well as their experiences in employment and the digital transformation of government services.

"Internet technology is to benefit the world and we hope to help Africa in digital transformation. Our philosophy can be proved if African countries achieve healthier and faster growth," said Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group.

To date, the electronic world trade platform (eWTP) initiated by Alibaba has been launched in Malaysia, Belgium and Rwanda to promote trade and tourism between Chinese consumers and these countries.

"It's a good choice to launch the first eWTP in Rwanda. Ethiopia should be the next destination as we have 100 million populations and is also the headquarter of the African Union," said Mekuria.

As one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Ethiopia has large potential in digital economy as 15 percent of its population use smart phones. At present, a wide range of Ethiopian commodities, including coffee, are available to Chinese consumers via Alibaba's online marketplaces.

An Ethiopian official signs an action figure reading "The tech will build the trust" during the visit to Alibaba Group in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Aug 13. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]