Ethiopia has officially launched its first unmanned smart police service, a move aimed at expanding access to police services through digital technology and reducing the need for direct human interaction at police stations. President Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the facility in Addis Ababa on February 9, 2026, describing it as a major step in modernising law enforcement and strengthening the effectiveness of public safety efforts.
The smart police service is designed to allow citizens to report crimes, traffic accidents and other incidents quickly and without standing in long queues or facing administrative delays. By leveraging artificial intelligence and automated tools, the system enables faster reporting and streamlines interactions between the public and law enforcement.
The initiative is part of Ethiopia’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, a national technology blueprint intended to deepen public service efficiency and bring core government processes into the digital era. Officials involved in the project say this step could improve transparency, reduce barriers to reporting crimes and shorten police response times nationwide.
Critics point out that widespread adoption may be hindered by uneven internet access and digital infrastructure outside major urban areas. They also caution that rapid digitisation should be accompanied by strong data privacy and cybersecurity safeguards to prevent misuse or exclusion of vulnerable populations.
The smart police service positions Ethiopia as a leading adopter of technology-driven law enforcement in Africa, offering a model that could influence how public safety systems evolve across the continent in the coming years.