Ethiopia’s Unmanned Police Station Enhancing Digital Policing Services

Addis Ababa, March 22, 2026 (ENA) —The recently inaugurated Africa's first unmanned "Smart Police Station" (SPS) in Addis Ababa is improving service delivery and modernizing law enforcement through digital technology, Federal Police Technology Department Head Inspector Andnet Sisay said.

The Smart Police Station features AI-driven, self-service kiosks that allow citizens to report crimes, submit documents, and access services 24/7 via touchscreens and remote video support, eliminating paperwork and reducing corruption in line with Digital Ethiopia 2030.

The SPS was inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Inspector Andnet said the smart police station enables users to report crimes, file complaints, pay fines, and request documents through touchscreen kiosks, while receiving support from officers via video calls.

“The technology enables citizens to get better service and plays a significant role in improving the justice system and police service in the country.”

The station operates as a pilot project designed to reduce in-person interactions, speed up reporting processes, and enhance crime prevention efforts.

According to the inspector, the system includes an evaluation mechanism where cases submitted by clients are assessed by assigned police personnel, ensuring that cases are handled efficiently and resolved in a timely manner.

He added that the station is designed for easy public access and can largely be managed by users themselves, with only one office manager on-site for technical support, while operations are centrally monitored through cameras and digital systems.

 

This work strengthens the image of the country and advances the police force’s technological capacity, the Head noted.

Inspector Andnet revealed that the innovation has attracted attention from across Africa, with many visitors seeking to learn from Ethiopia’s experience.

Ethiopia is among the four countries globally implementing such a system, and is the first in Africa to introduce an unmanned police station.

The Inspector also disclosed that the Ethiopian Federal Police has launched a Citizen Engagement mobile application that enables the public to report crimes quickly and easily.

He emphasized that the adoption of such technologies is helping improve case handling and operational efficiency within the police force.

 

Inspector Andnet further highlighted that the system was largely developed by local professionals, with only the technological equipment sourced externally, demonstrating the growing capacity of Ethiopian experts, while ensuring data security and transforming policing practices.

Ethiopia is advancing digital transformation in public institutions to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. The introduction of smart policing systems is part of the broader effort to modernize law enforcement and enhance service delivery through technology.