Ethiopian police officer at a digital police station, showcasing Ethiopia’s innovative approach to law enforcement.
Ethiopia is testing one of its most intriguing digital governance experiments yet: an unmanned police station where citizens report crimes via tablet screens to real officers working remotely. Backed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 reform agenda, the project aims to modernize public services. Located in Addis Ababa’s Bole district, the smart police station received just three reports in its first week—a lost passport, a fraud case, and a routine complaint. However, officials believe awareness will grow. Supporters argue the model could extend policing reach where personnel are scarce, while critics warn that 79% of Ethiopians still lack internet access, risking a system that serves urban, tech-savvy users while leaving rural and low-income communities further behind.
BBC