Ethiopia launches its first fully automated smart police station 🇪🇹🚔

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On February 9, 2026, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated Ethiopia’s first fully automated smart police station — a facility designed to operate without a permanent on-site police presence.

The launch is part of the government’s broader push to digitize key public sectors and accelerate socio-economic development through technology.

A digital gateway to police services 🖥️📲

After rolling out digital initiatives in healthcare and agriculture, the Ethiopian government is now turning its attention to public security.

The new smart police station is equipped with interactive kiosks that allow citizens to handle a range of services independently. People can report crimes, traffic accidents, and other incidents without going through a traditional service desk.

Authorities say the system also enables real-time case tracking and direct communication with officials through digital channels. The goal: reduce processing times and improve responsiveness across law enforcement services.

For Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the initiative is meant to strengthen ongoing reforms and make law enforcement institutions more efficient and competitive. Federal Police Commissioner Demelash Gebremichael added that digitization will make police services faster and more accessible for citizens.

Innovation meets inclusion challenges 🌍⚡

While the project marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Ethiopia’s public administration, key questions remain.

It is still unclear whether citizens will need to visit these physical smart stations to access digital services, or whether the full range of procedures will eventually be available via smartphone.

Infrastructure could also determine the project’s long-term success. Continuous operation depends on reliable electricity and stable internet connectivity — both of which remain uneven across the country. According to estimates from the GSMA, millions of Ethiopians still lack access to mobile internet.

Scaling this model nationwide will therefore require addressing digital literacy gaps, connectivity disparities, and broader infrastructure challenges.

Still, with this smart police station, Ethiopia is signaling its ambition to build a more tech-driven public administration. The real test will be whether this innovation can deliver meaningful access for all — rather than deepen existing divides.

💬 Do you think that a police station without officers on site can really improve access to services, or is there a risk that it will exclude part of the population