Ethiopia

Internet governance in Ethiopia has been evolving, especially in light of the country’s broader initiatives to digitalize its economy. The primary regulatory body overseeing telecommunications is the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA). This body is responsible for licensing and regulating communications services, including internet services. The ECA’s role has been crucial in the recent liberalization of the telecom sector, which previously saw Ethio Telecom as the sole service provider.

Historically, the Ethiopian government has maintained strict control over the internet, including reported incidents of internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest. These shutdowns have been widely criticized by international bodies and human rights organizations as they restrict freedom of expression and access to information. According to the Freedom on the Net 2023 report, Ethiopia’s internet freedom score is 26 out of 100, indicating it is ‘not free’. The government has frequently restricted access to social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube, especially in response to planned protests.

One of the major challenges in internet governance in Ethiopia is ensuring consistent and equitable access across the country. While urban centers like Addis Ababa have relatively better connectivity, rural areas often struggle with access and reliability.

The Internet governance debate in Ethiopia has seen significant developments, particularly with the country hosting the 17th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in 2022. This event, supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), was held under the theme ‘Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future,’ focusing on inclusive internet access and digital cooperation.

The Ethiopian government has been actively promoting digital transformation as part of its economic strategy. Key initiatives include the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which aims to digitize key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services while improving the overall digital infrastructure. The strategy sets forth a vision to issue 90 million digital IDs (delayed to 2028), triple digital payments, and foster increased interactions among government, private sector, and citizens by 2025. The strategy recommends prioritising investments in advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics to drive these initiatives. This strategy focuses on integrating various independent digital initiatives conducted by government and non-government actors. It aims to create synergies that will generate economic benefits and help integrate digital technologies into the main sectors of the economy, thereby supporting Ethiopia’s ambition to become a middle-income, knowledge-based economy​.

Ethiopia has rolled out a robust e-Government strategy and enterprise architecture framework aimed at enhancing public service delivery and propelling digital transformation. This strategy includes the development of a national e-Government portal, which is set to offer online access to 219 government services within five years. Additionally, the plan involves the implementation of 12 key e-Government projects across various agencies and the delivery of services through four alternative channels beyond the primary portal.

Key features of the strategy also encompass the development of a national enterprise architecture, known as ENEAF, to facilitate better integration and consolidation of ministry applications, services, and infrastructure within a national data center. This framework will also introduce a customer feedback mechanism across all government channels and ensure capacity development for government officials in IT skills and customer service.

In Ethiopia, addressing cybercrime and enhancing cybersecurity are integral parts of the national strategy to bolster digital security and trust. The legislative framework in Ethiopia, particularly the Computer Crime Proclamation No. 958/2016, focuses on combating cybercrime by defining offenses related to unauthorized access, data interference, system interference, and misuse of devices. This legislation is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure and for ensuring that digital activities do not undermine national security or the rights and safety of individuals.

The Computer Crime Proclamation aims to prevent, control, investigate, and prosecute computer-related crimes. It includes provisions that are geared toward safeguarding users’ trust in digital services and the protection of networks, data, and information systems. However, it has also been critiqued for potentially overreaching in ways that could impact free speech and legitimate online activities. Efforts are ongoing to revise and update this legislation to better balance security concerns with human rights and freedom of expression.

Beyond specific cybercrime laws, Ethiopia’s approach to cybersecurity encompasses a broader set of policies and initiatives. These include the development of a national cybersecurity strategy that aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030. This strategy underscores the importance of protecting critical digital infrastructures and enhancing the country’s defenses against cyber threats.

The Information Network Security Agency (INSA) plays a key role in this regard. Established to defend Ethiopia’s information infrastructure from attacks, INSA’s responsibilities have evolved to include preventive measures against cybercrime, digital forensic investigations, and the drafting and enforcement of national policies on cybersecurity. INSA also contributes to capacity building in the cybersecurity domain, helping to elevate Ethiopia’s readiness and response to cyber threats.

Ethiopia is in the final stages of establishing a national policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This policy aims to promote the responsible and sustainable implementation of AI across various sectors within the country. The draft AI policy addresses several critical areas, including data management, human resource development, research and development, infrastructure, and legal and ethical guidelines. It also emphasizes cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders, including regional states, city administrations, and international institutions. The policy framework aims to make Ethiopia a centre of excellence for AI in Africa, fostering innovation and technology-driven economic growth.

Key components of the policy include developing national data-sharing guidelines, establishing quality standards for research, and creating regulatory frameworks that guide the use of human resources in AI development. The collaborative nature of this policy formulation process involves multiple stakeholders, including the Ethiopian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, academic institutions, and the private sector, ensuring that the policy is comprehensive and inclusive.

Ethiopia has been actively advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities through various initiatives. In September 2021, the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre of Excellence was established at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. This Centre is designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, supporting the AI ecosystem and focusing efforts on leveraging AI for socio-economic development. The country has also set up the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute, which has among its tasks the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks for AI.