• Ethiopia inaugurates a smart police station in Addis Ababa to digitize public services.

• The system uses AI and centralized data to reduce processing time and human error.

• Authorities plan to scale the pilot model to other cities.

Ethiopia inaugurates a smart police station in its capital Addis Ababa and targets simplified, faster and continuous access to public services. The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reports the announcement on Sunday, March 22.

Users interact directly with self-service digital kiosks in this next-generation police station. They use interactive screens and remote video assistance to file complaints, submit documents and pay fines without visiting a traditional counter.

Moreover, the system operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It removes time constraints that typically affect public administration services.

“This innovation improves significantly the quality of service offered to citizens and strengthens the judicial system and police services,” says Andnet Sisay, head of the technology department at the Ethiopian Federal Police.

The system relies on technologies such as artificial intelligence and centralized data management. It reduces processing times significantly and limits human errors linked to manual procedures.

This transformation reshapes the relationship between users and public administration. It reduces physical interactions and limits informal practices, thereby strengthening service transparency.

The station operates with reduced on-site staff while officers provide remote support and ensure continuous case monitoring. Authorities design the project as a pilot and consider expansion to other cities across the country.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya 

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum