Ethiopia Advancing in Digital Infrastructure and Economy: DPM Temesgen
Addis Ababa: Through the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, Ethiopia has reached a critical stage in building an inclusive digital economy and improving government services, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated. Speaking at the official opening of an exhibition and workshop on Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey at the Science Museum, Temesgen highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts in technological advancements.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, since its launch, the Digital Ethiopia Strategy has laid a strong foundation for economic growth and digital transformation. Starting from the 2012 Ethiopian fiscal year, Ethiopia has been implementing the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy to seize opportunities and address challenges posed by technological growth. The deputy prime minister emphasized that the government’s expansion of critical infrastructure is essential to fostering a digital economy that ensures equitable access for all Ethiopians.
He also pointed out the implementation of new legal and operational frameworks that have significantly transformed the digitalization of government services, enabling faster and more efficient services for citizens. Acknowledging the private sector’s proactive role in expanding data centers and introducing new digital services, DPM Temesgen noted the growth of digital financial services, payments, and electronic commerce during the strategy’s implementation.
Temesgen underscored the critical foundational activities that have been carried out to build a robust digital economy. Regarding key digital infrastructures identified in the Digital Ethiopia Strategy, he cited the digital national identity card, implemented since the 2014 Ethiopian fiscal year, as one of the most important steps. Over 1,000 registration sites have been established across the country in recent years, where more than 11.5 million citizens have been successfully registered.
The government has established a digital transformation council to facilitate the integrated transition of digital transformation, ensuring its security, efficiency, citizens’ benefits, protecting against wastage, and fostering rapid progress. DPM Temesgen highlighted the development of the Digital Government Strategy and the Electronic Commerce Strategy to further accelerate the digital transformation. These strategies, which will soon be approved and implemented, are expected to improve service delivery, modernize business practices, and create a more inclusive digital society.
Recalling that the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy is nearing its end, the deputy prime minister noted that preparations are already underway for the development of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy.