Ethiopia Launches First Unmanned Smart Police Station in Addis Ababa
ADDIS ABABA – In a significant leap toward modernizing law enforcement, Ethiopia officially launched its first unmanned “Smart Police Station” today, February 9, 2026. The new facility, located in the Bole sub-city of Addis Ababa, is designed to provide citizens with streamlined, technology-driven police services without the need for direct physical interaction with officers on-site.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the nation’s broader “Digital Ethiopia 2030” strategy. The service aims to make police assistance more accessible, reduce response times, and curb opportunities for corruption by digitizing the reporting process.
“The launch of this service will enable citizens to access police services more quickly and with the support of technology,” Prime Minister Abiy stated. “In addition, the service will help the police take rapid action and streamline crime prevention efforts.”
A New Era of Digital Policing
The pilot facility allows users to report crimes, file traffic accident claims, and access other essential services 24 hours a day through digital kiosks. These terminals are equipped with audiovisual technology that connects citizens directly to officers stationed at a central command center via live video link.
Commander Dems Yielmer, Head of the Ethiopian Federal Police Technology Expansion Directorate, explained that the station is built on a suite of interconnected technologies. “This smart interface eliminates physical barriers to reporting, speeds up case registration, and shortens the time between reporting and response,” he said.
Key features of the Smart Police Station include:
Digital Reporting Kiosks: Citizens can file reports for theft, assault, and vandalism using touchscreens that support multiple languages, including Amharic, Afan Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali, and English.
Evidence Upload Capabilities: The system allows users to instantly upload photos, videos, and scanned documents as evidence, which are securely stored in the police database.
Integrated Services: Beyond emergency reporting, the station facilitates administrative tasks such as paying traffic fines and obtaining certificates of good conduct.
Mobile Integration: The facility is synchronized with the Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) app, enabling users to track the status of their cases remotely.
Enhancing Efficiency and Trust
Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael highlighted that the transition to smart policing represents a strategic shift from traditional reactive methods to a proactive, data-driven model. By automating routine procedures, the Federal Police aims to free up human resources for more complex investigative work while ensuring that routine services remain available around the clock.
The unmanned station serves as a pilot project, with authorities planning to expand similar facilities across the capital and eventually to other regions based on the success of this initial rollout. Officials believe that by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing transparency through digital records, the initiative will foster greater public trust in law enforcement institutions.
This launch positions Ethiopia as a pioneer in adopting digital policing solutions on the continent, setting a precedent for leveraging technology to enhance public safety and service delivery.
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