Ethiopia unveils Africa’s first unmanned smart police station to digitise law enforcement

Ethiopia has launched its first-ever unmanned Smart Police Station, marking a major milestone in the country’s push to digitise public services and modernise law enforcement.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who officially unveiled the technology-driven system said the innovation will allow citizens to access police services faster and more efficiently through digital platforms without the need for direct human interaction.

The new smart police station enables the public to report crimes, traffic accidents and other incidents electronically, reducing waiting time, paperwork and administrative delays.

The system is designed to improve service delivery while enhancing transparency and accountability within the police service.

Abiy said the initiative forms part of broader reforms under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, a national programme aimed at transforming government institutions through technology and innovation.

“The launch of this service will enhance the effectiveness of the reform initiatives started to make law enforcement institutions competent and competitive under Digital Ethiopia 2030,” the PM said.

According to the government, the digital platform will also strengthen operational efficiency by enabling faster response to incidents, improving data management and supporting crime prevention efforts through real-time reporting and monitoring.

The Ethiopian Federal Police confirmed the rollout on its official platforms, describing the facility as the country’s first fully digital and unmanned police station.

The system allows citizens to access essential police services through self-service interfaces, eliminating the need for physical contact with officers in routine cases.

Through the system, citizens can choose the type of report, crime, traffic or other incidents, by contacting the police directly, submitting detailed reports digitally, or sending SMS notifications.

Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael said the platform digitalises key policing functions and is designed to make reporting incidents easier and more convenient for the public.

He noted that the system will help reduce uncomfortable or intimidating encounters that some citizens experience when dealing with law enforcement, while also minimising opportunities for corruption and informal payments.

“The smart police station enables citizens to report cases easily and without pressure,” Demelash said, adding that the technology will improve both public trust and institutional performance.

Officials said the project is the first of its kind in Africa and only the fourth globally, positioning Ethiopia among a small group of countries using fully automated police service centres.

The government expects the system to significantly enhance police efficiency, improve accessibility to services and support evidence-based policing through digital records and analytics.

The introduction of the unmanned smart police station reflects Ethiopia’s broader efforts to integrate advanced technology into its security sector while expanding citizen access to essential public services.

Authorities indicated that the model could be expanded to other parts of the country as part of ongoing efforts to build a modern, responsive and technology-driven law enforcement system.