Digital Ethiopia 2025 advances with major government partnership

Ethiopia’s National ID Program (NIDP) has partnered with four other government institutions to enhance access to integrated public services as part of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 initiative. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 12 November, includes the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Information Network Security Administration, the Addis Ababa Civil Registration and Residency Service Agency, and the Addis Ababa Innovation and Technology Development Bureau.

Digital Ethiopia 2025 aims to transform the nation into a digital society by next year, with the national ID system serving as a crucial component. Engr. Worku Gachena, Director General of the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, highlighted that the collaboration will simplify access to government services, particularly through the issuance of residence and national ID cards. Additionally, AI solutions are being explored to ensure efficient, secure, and high-quality service delivery.

Other officials emphasised that the partnership will advance the rollout of legal and digital ID services for Ethiopian citizens and foreign residents. Yodahe Zemichael, Executive Director of NIDP, described the initiative as a key driver of national prosperity and development. Yonas Alemayehu, Director General of the Addis Ababa Civil Registration and Residency Service Agency, pointed out that digital ID plays a foundational role in the ongoing smart city project, with efforts ramping up for digital ID enrolment across Addis Ababa.

The Fayda digital ID system is increasingly being integrated into various government operations, including public procurement. Looking ahead, Ethiopia plans to launch a new digital government program extending to 2030, with Fayda ID as a central element.