Digital Ethiopia 2030 Aims for Equal Access, Efficiency, and Trust, Says PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, December 22, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) emphasized the citizen-focused objectives of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy, highlighted the country’s growing influence in Africa’s digital landscape, and outlined key achievements in national digital adoption.

The remarks were made during the review of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy and the official launch of Digital Ethiopia 2030, held over the weekend at Addis International Convention Center.

The event was presided over by PM Abiy and attended by senior government officials, federal and regional leaders, and key stakeholders, setting the stage for the country’s next phase of digital transformation.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister explained that ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens is a central goal of Digital Ethiopia 2030. The strategy seeks to enable citizens to access services regardless of gender, disability, or geographic location, and aims to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.

He noted that Digital Ethiopia 2030 builds on the achievements of Digital Ethiopia 2025, which had accomplished its intended goals to an almost full extent.

PM Abiy highlighted that digitalization is closely tied to national sovereignty, asserting that comprehensive digital systems are essential for universal citizen information, mobile and digital payment options, and seamless information exchange.

He explained that understanding citizens’ employment status and sectoral engagement is critical for developing effective digital public infrastructure, with identity profiles such as the National ID (Fayda) playing a central role. He also noted that digital payment systems reduce the costs associated with printing physical currency, while unconnected institutions increase vulnerability to fraud.

The Prime Minister underscored the significance of learning, adaptation, and cooperation for Ethiopia to advance technologically. He observed that failure to adapt could result in societal and political deterioration, recalling historical challenges from Ethiopian politics in the 1960s.

PM Abiy emphasized that if citizens believe in their capabilities and cooperate openly, Ethiopia has the potential to become a top technology hub in Africa. He stressed the importance of not only learning but also creating an enabling environment for those who acquire digital skills.

On the topic of citizen adoption, PM Abiy reported that 55 million people in Ethiopia have become TeleBir users, including approximately 30 million holders of the Fayda (Digital National ID).

He highlighted that achieving 2 million coders toward the Five Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative demonstrates tangible progress, describing these milestones as significant achievements and emphasizing that collective effort is required to lift Ethiopia out of poverty and reveal the country’s potential.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s digital influence in Africa, the Prime Minister explained that the country’s digital systems are in demand across the continent. Discussions are underway to introduce the Fayda Digital ID to other African nations, including Zambia. The digitalization of courts has been initiated in three African countries, and the TeleBirr mobile money transfer system is set to enter the Cameroon market.

PM Abiy attributed this demand to Ethiopia’s capacity in digital transformation, built on a clear vision and strategic knowledge, noting that many African countries have faced setbacks due to the inability to develop their own digital systems.

Addressing domestic service delivery, PM Abiy emphasized the need to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. He explained that citizens often face long and costly procedures to access public services and highlighted the role of technology in streamlining and simplifying these processes.

He urged institutional leaders to embrace technology for national development and noted that reducing bureaucracy under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy will make services more accessible, efficient, and citizen-friendly.