When looking at digital Ethiopia…on one hand, there’s been some progress, but on the other, there’s a lot left to be desired.
I think it’s important to look at a few key indicators here. We’ve got Middle OSI, Low TII, Middle HCI, and Low EPI. Now, what do these acronyms even mean? Well, they basically give us a snapshot of Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure, technological innovation, and people’s e-participation. And from the looks of it, there’s room for improvement across the board.
Where does digital Ethiopia stand, according to a UN report?
Let’s take a look at what all the above acronyms mean, according to the latest available UN e-government survey.
When we say Middle OSI, we’re talking about the Online Service Index. This basically measures how advanced Ethiopia’s online services are. With a middle ranking, it suggests that there’s some progress, but it’s not exactly leading the pack.
Low TII refers to Telecommunication Infrastructure. This is crucial because it’s the backbone of any digital society. Unfortunately, Ethiopia’s infrastructure isn’t up to par, which can seriously hinder internet access and connectivity.
Now, let’s talk about HCI, or Human Capital Index. This is all about the skills and knowledge people have when it comes to using digital technology. Ethiopia falls somewhere in the middle here, which means there’s potential for improvement but also some work to be done in terms of digital literacy and education.
Lastly, we have EPI, or E-Participation Index. This measures how engaged citizens are particularly in terms of e-government participation. With a low ranking, it suggests that there’s a lot of room for improvement in terms of involving Ethiopians in digital decision-making processes.
Despite some marginal gains in several areas Ethiopia still has a long way to go. Ranking 179th out of 193 countries in the UN e-government report is a stark reminder of just how far behind they are.
Connectivity in digital Ethiopia (2024)
Let’s take a closer look at the state of connectivity in Ethiopia as of 2024. The numbers paint a revealing picture of both progress and persistent challenges.
According to recent data from Datareportal, there were 24.83 million internet users in Ethiopia at the start of 2024, when internet penetration stood at 19.4%. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) cites the same figure in its most recent data (from 2022.)
For perspective, this means that 80% of the population in Ethiopia did not use the internet at the start of 2024 (103.3 million people, to be exact.) That’s a significant portion of the country missing out on the opportunities and benefits of the digital world.
Now, when we look at cellular mobile connections, the numbers tell a slightly different story. With 77.39 million active mobile connections, that’s about 60.4% of the total population covered. Mobile connectivity seems to be more widespread than internet access, which is promising in terms of reaching more people. However, it’s worth noting that having a mobile connection doesn’t necessarily mean access to the full range of digital services and opportunities that the internet provides.
Challenges…
One thing that stands out to me is the impact of the civil war in the Tigray Region on internet and electricity services since November 2020. This disruption has undoubtedly affected connectivity and access to vital services for the people in that region. It’s a stark reminder of how conflicts can exacerbate existing challenges and inequalities, particularly in terms of digital access.
And then there’s the issue of telecommunications infrastructure—or rather, the lack thereof—in rural areas, where nearly 80% of the population lives. This is a significant barrier to connectivity, as rural areas often face the greatest challenges in terms of accessing reliable internet and mobile services. Without adequate infrastructure, it’s hard to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Digital Ethiopia 2025- the strategy
Launched back in July 2020, Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation Strategy has some big goals: driving economic growth, boosting citizen engagement, and ultimately improving the quality of life for Ethiopians.
Over the past four years, there’s been some progress, but there are also some hurdles to overcome.
One of the key pillars of this strategy is digital identification. It’s seen as a game-changer for ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025,’ with the Prime Minister himself hailing it as a driver of the country’s digital vision. And it’s not just talk.
They’ve recently issued a procurement notice for infrastructure hardware and IT components to support the digital ID project. This shows a real commitment to making digital identity a reality for Ethiopians.
In other recent developments, the country has also announced plans to issue at least 1.1 million refugee IDs in the next year as part of a government strategy to facilitate the acquisition of services by forcibly displaced persons.
Final thoughts
As I wrap up this article on Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey, there are some key priorities that I believe need to be highlighted to unlock its full potential.
First and foremost, Ethiopia must prioritize e-government services, and platforms designed for local products and digital tools that can empower citizens, businesses AND institutions.
Of course, none of this can happen without internet access, especially in rural areas where nearly 80% of the population resides. Expanding internet connectivity is essential for ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy. Whether it’s through infrastructure development or innovative solutions like community Wi-Fi networks, Ethiopia needs to make internet access a top priority.
Overall, while there are challenges ahead, Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey appears to be on the right track (even though at the wrong speed.)
Sources:
https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/procurement-detail/OP00276696
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/58-Ethiopia
