• Ethiopia opened its first fully automated smart police station on Feb. 9, 2026.

• The project forms part of the government’s “Digital Ethiopia 2030” strategy.

• Limited internet access and power reliability pose risks to nationwide rollout.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the country’s first smart police station on Feb. 9. The facility operates without police officers on site. The project aims to give citizens faster access to police services through technology while improving response speed and operational efficiency.

Today, we launched Ethiopia’s first unmanned police service, or smart police service.

This service will enable citizens to access police services more quickly and with the support of technology. In addition, the service will help the police take rapid action and streamline crime… pic.twitter.com/YLGj6G4z9V

— Abiy Ahmed Ali ?? (@AbiyAhmedAli) February 9, 2026

“The launch of this service will strengthen the effectiveness of ongoing reforms to make law enforcement institutions more efficient and competitive under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 initiative,” Abiy Ahmed said in a statement published on social media.

Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael said the smart police station digitizes policing services. He said the system allows citizens to access information and report crimes, traffic accidents and other incidents independently and without administrative constraints.

The digital police station uses electronic terminals that function as service counters. Citizens can complete various procedures through these devices. Authorities have not clarified whether users must physically visit these stations or whether mobile smartphone applications will also provide access.

The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said citizens will be able to report crimes, accidents and other issues instantly through a fully automated system without traveling to a police station. The broadcaster added that the platform will allow direct communication with senior officials and real-time tracking of case progress via mobile phones.

The initiative raises questions about nationwide deployment and service accessibility for remote communities. The system requires reliable internet connectivity and stable electricity supply to operate continuously. Remote access would also depend on network coverage, device availability and digital literacy levels. GSMA estimated that nearly 100 million Ethiopians lacked access to mobile internet in 2023.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM