11 February 2026
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated Ethiopia’s first smart police station on Monday, February 9, marking a significant step toward digitalizing law enforcement. 
Unlike traditional stations, this facility operates without officers on-site, leveraging technology to provide citizens with faster, more accessible police services.
“The launch of this service will enhance the effectiveness of reforms aimed at making law enforcement more efficient and competitive, as part of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative,” the Prime Minister stated on social media.
Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael explained that the smart police station digitizes key services, enabling the public to report crimes, traffic incidents, and other emergencies easily and independently. Citizens can access these services through digital kiosks at the station; however, it remains unclear whether services will also be available via mobile apps for remote access.
According to the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), users will be able to report issues instantly through an automated system, communicate directly with high-ranking officials, and track case progress in real time from their smartphones.
The rollout raises questions about nationwide accessibility, especially considering Ethiopia’s infrastructure challenges. Reliable internet and power supply are essential, and factors such as network coverage, device availability, and digital literacy—particularly as nearly 100 million Ethiopians lacked mobile internet access in 2023—will influence the initiative’s success.
