Ethiopia's Digital Advancement: 900+ Public Services Online

Published Date : 7/29/2025 

Ethiopia has made significant strides in its digital transformation, with over 900 public services now available digitally. This progress is part of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, which includes the implementation of a digital ID, modern data centers, and expanded connectivity. 

Digital transformation in Ethiopia is on steady progress as the government has announced that more than 900 public services can now be accessed digitally. This milestone is one of the fruits of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy implementation, according to ENA reports.

The outlet quotes a senior official in the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Seyoum Mengesha, as stating recently that Ethiopia’s digital transformation progress is reflected in the building of the three core components of digital public infrastructure (DPI).

The executive mentioned advancements recorded in the implementation of the Fayda digital ID, a digital payments system, and data interoperability infrastructure, all aimed at facilitating the delivery of services in multiple sectors. This progress is largely attributed to two World Bank-funded projects which are aimed at enhancing Ethiopia’s digital transformation pursuits.

Digital government services can now be accessed via the one-stop-shop platform MESOB, which was rolled out nationwide in June. This came after a pilot which was said to be highly successful.

According to Mengesha, efforts have also been made by the country to expand digital connectivity infrastructure, including the construction of modern data centers of international standards. These and other infrastructure, he said, have contributed to rendering public service delivery in the country seamless.

The Fayda ID is particularly hailed as the foundational pillar of a new Ethiopia Digital Government Strategy 2025-2030. As of July 29, the digital ID has been issued to 20.8 million people.

Ethio Telecom, the country’s main telecommunications company, has also made substantial contributions to the country’s digital transformation. Its CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru, told ENA of the company’s efforts to expand connectivity services through the deployment of 4G network to 16 cities and 5G services to over 500 towns and cities, reaching a combined 83 million Ethiopians.

As part of the digital transformation drive, efforts have also been made in digitizing procurement and property administration processes, the Director General of the Federal Public Procurement and Property Authority (FPPA), Meseret Meskele, is quoted as saying.

Last year, a GSMA report hailed Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts, citing the digital economy as a major contributor to the country’s GDP growth. It said this could bring up to $10.8 billion to Ethiopia’s economy by 2028, thanks to an expected boom in mobile connectivity, especially for sectors like agriculture.

The report also recommended that for the country to keep its digital transformation journey on the right rails, it must implement measures to enhance service and device affordability, reform the telecoms sector, expand mobile money services, and increase digital skills and further digitize government services. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy?

A: The Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy is a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming Ethiopia into a digitally advanced nation by 2025. It focuses on building digital public infrastructure, enhancing digital connectivity, and improving the delivery of public services.

Q: What is the Fayda digital ID?

A: The Fayda digital ID is a national digital identity system in Ethiopia, which serves as the foundational pillar for the country's digital government strategy. As of July 29, it has been issued to 20.8 million people.

Q: How many public services are now accessible digitally in Ethiopia?

A: Over 900 public services are now accessible digitally in Ethiopia, thanks to the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy.

Q: What role does Ethio Telecom play in Ethiopia's digital transformation?

A: Ethio Telecom, the country’s main telecommunications company, plays a crucial role in Ethiopia's digital transformation by expanding connectivity services through the deployment of 4G and 5G networks, reaching a combined 83 million Ethiopians.

Q: What are the recommendations from the GSMA report for Ethiopia's digital transformation?

A: The GSMA report recommends enhancing service and device affordability, reforming the telecoms sector, expanding mobile money services, increasing digital skills, and further digitizing government services to keep Ethiopia's digital transformation on track. 

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