Ethiopia Accelerates Digital Exams, Expands Early Education in Nationwide Reform Push, Says Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, March 19, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, has announced significant progress in the country’s education reform agenda following a high-level virtual consultation.

The meeting brought together regional presidents, city mayors, senior education officials, and key stakeholders to review ongoing reforms and set priorities.

The meeting focused on two critical national priorities: the digital transformation of Ethiopia’s examination and assessment system, and the accelerated expansion of pre-primary education.

 

Aligned with the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, officials emphasized that transitioning national examinations, particularly the Grade 12 exam to a fully digital platform is central to modernizing the education system, the Deputy Prime Minister said in a post on X.

The initiative aims to ensure a secure, fair, and efficient examination process while equipping students with essential digital skills needed in today’s technology-driven world, he added.

Participants reviewed progress made by the National Examination Task Force and underscored the need for stronger accountability, urging all institutions to fully discharge their responsibilities to ensure a smooth and successful transition to digital exams.

 

In parallel, the government committed to completing and operationalizing 1,452 standardized pre-primary schools across all regions and the two city administrations by August next year—marking a major step toward expanding equitable access to early childhood education, Temesgen noted.

The meeting also addressed urgent gaps in learning materials.

 Officials directed the immediate distribution of already printed primary school textbooks and set a September deadline for the printing and delivery of textbooks from pre-primary through Grade 6.

The session concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen coordination, accelerate implementation, and align efforts with Ethiopia’s broader digital transformation agenda.

The reforms signal a decisive move toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system—one designed to empower the next generation with confidence and opportunity.