Ethio Telecom rolls out ‘teleSign’ to digitize document authentication & consular services nationwide

Addis Ababa, April 1, 2026 (FMC) – Ethio Telecom has officially launched teleSign, a new digital platform aimed at transforming document authentication and legal service delivery across Ethiopia.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and the Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Service, the platform enables citizens to access services such as document authentication, power of attorney, and legal licensing entirely online.

The solution allows both residents and members of the Ethiopian diaspora to grant or revoke power of attorney digitally, removing the need for in-person visits to embassies, consulates, or government offices. Users can also authenticate legal documents remotely and obtain or renew professional licenses through the system.

teleSign incorporates advanced technologies, including AI-powered video identity verification (liveness detection) and integration with the Fayda National Digital ID, ensuring secure and reliable authentication. Processes that previously took weeks can now be completed within minutes.

Payments are processed via telebirr, while data is securely stored on Ethio Telecom’s cloud infrastructure, reinforcing national data sovereignty. The service is accessible at any time through the teleSign mobile application and its official website.

Speaking at the launch, Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru linked teleSign to the government’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, noting its potential to serve more than 110 million people, including 87 million active telecom users and hundreds of enterprises utilizing cloud services.

She highlighted that the platform replaces previously limited digital services with an integrated system combining AI-based authentication, digital identity, and secure video verification—streamlining consular and business processes, supporting economic growth, and strengthening public trust in services.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhanu Tsegaye described teleSign as a game-changer, emphasizing its role in delivering authentication services that are more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly. He added that Ethiopia’s MESOB Service Center, in collaboration with the ministry, supports more than 50 diplomatic missions worldwide.

State Minister of Justice Belayhun Yirga underscored the platform’s broader impact, noting that it is expected to create employment opportunities, reduce transportation costs, and ease pressure on the justice system through enhanced digital efficiency.

Meanwhile, Hamid Keniso highlighted the scale of current operations, stating that the Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Service serves approximately 6,000 customers daily across 17 branches in Addis Ababa, with plans to expand access in the near future.

The teleSign application became available on March 30 via major app platforms, enabling Ethiopians both at home and abroad to access authentication services instantly—saving time, reducing costs, and improving convenience.