By Eyasu Zekarias

Due to mismanagement of the civil registration system in previous years, identity fraud has become a major issue, allowing citizens to remain anonymous. To address this problem, the Addis Ababa City Administration is launching the “Digital Kebele mobile application,” a first-of-its-kind initiative in Ethiopia. This application will enable residents to access efficient services from anywhere and use their vehicle driver’s license for city services. It is a project that aims to utilize mobile phones as residence IDs, which can be used alongside ATM and similar cards.

The Addis Ababa City Administration has partnered with two software development companies to create the Electronic-ID and Mobile-ID system, overseen by the Innovation and Technology Development Office. TTSP, an indigenous technology solution provider, will complete and launch the system within six months. They have been operating in Ethiopia since 2015, offering hardware and software services in partnership with renowned companies like ORACLE, HUAWEI, EPSON, HP, LENOVE, DELL, and TIMWTECH. The international solution provider, PANGEA, based in Israel, brings over 30 years of experience in digital transformation solutions for government and corporate organizations. They specialize in biometric identity and security solutions, e-transport services, and multi-sensor analytics and insights platforms. Pangea Technology Solutions supports digital identity projects in the public sector, handling millions of verified documents, certificates, and personal ID cards.

Haile Mekonnen, the project manager of TTSP, highlights that the new system will organize scattered information, reducing service delays and improving the handling of crucial registrations. It will also facilitate information exchange between the government and civil registration institutions.

Research conducted by the Minister of Justice and the National Bank reveals that banks suffered a loss of 1.8 billion birr, including losses due to identity fraud, in the five years leading up to 2019. This loss was attributed to the lack of a centralized system to ensure the validity of Kebele IDs.

To address this issue, a digital ID called Fayda, with a 12-digit identification number, has been implemented and provided to citizens who have completed the necessary procedures under the National Identification Program of Ethiopia. However, the new system and process that will be implemented in six months in 119 districts and 11 sub-cities of Addis Ababa city will further bridge this gap.

Haile Mekonnen explains that the country’s first E-ID and Mobile-ID digital identification system will handle registrations of births, deaths, divorces, and marriages, as well as register permanent and temporary residents. It will also update previously registered systems, verify documents, and have its own Call Center.

Solomon Amare, the Head of the Innovation and Technology Development Bureau, reveals that in December 2022, the Addis Ababa City Administration approved an 8-year Smart City Roadmap as part of their six-pillar implementation plan. After more than a year of study, a project integrating Smart Governor and Smart City has been set in motion.

Solomon Amare emphasizes that the previous system, in operation for the past nine years, lacked a focus on modern technology. To address this, a committee was formed, including experts in Artificial Intelligence, the Information Network Security Agency, the Minister of Innovation and Technology, and Addis Ababa University of Science and Technology. Following their one-year study, the new system was implemented.

To establish a modern system connecting offices and agencies in 119 districts across 58 cities, all government institutions in Addis Ababa have been brought onto a single network at a cost of 481 million birr paid to Ethiotelecom. The necessary technological infrastructure for the new system is 97 percent complete, with the remaining steps focused on making it operational.

The new system ensures seamless connectivity for districts and sub-cities through direct access to the data center via the Internet. Unlike the previous system, this new initiative allows for comprehensive civil registration and identification services. Residents can conveniently access these services through their mobile devices or personal computers.

Last year, a data center connected to the HCI PLUS Software Find Network was established in the Institute of Civil Registration and Resident Services Agency, which became operational in August. Additionally, the city administration is planning to build an independent city-wide Cloud Data Center.

Itel, a prominent phone brand in Ethiopia, has recently announced the launch of their latest mobile model, the A70. This innovative device boasts unique technology and design features, setting it apart from its competitors.

The highlight of the A70 is its advanced camera technology, which has been enhanced with artificial intelligence capabilities. This ensures that users can capture stunning photos and videos with ease.

In terms of performance, the A70 is designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is equipped with 4+8 GB of RAM and offers a generous 128 GB of storage capacity. Additionally, the device is powered by a robust 5000 mAh battery, which supports 18W Type-C fast charging for quick and convenient recharging.

Manufactured by Transsion Company, a leading player in the mobile electronics industry, Itel Mobile continues to introduce cutting-edge devices to the market. The A70 model exemplifies the brand’s commitment to combining advanced innovations with state-of-the-art features.

Having established its presence in the Ethiopian market under the umbrella of Transsion Manufacturing Company a decade ago, Itel Mobile has become a trusted and popular choice among consumers seeking reliable and feature-rich mobile phones.

By Eyasu Zekarias

Btnet Technology Solutions has introduced FenanPay, a revolutionary digital payment system that aims to eliminate the commission charges imposed by financial institutions on money transfers. This innovative solution allows organizations to integrate various payment options into their online applications swiftly, typically within a day.

Currently, many organizations bear high commission fees when working with financial institutions. However, FenanPay offers a system where organizations can potentially pay zero percent commission. The commission fees will be determined based on the overall activity and efficiency of the organizations. Those unable to achieve a zero percent commission will still benefit from the lowest commission fee available in the market through the system’s provided options.

BtNet is actively updating FenanPay to create a modern digital payment system that eliminates the need for financial intermediaries. The system aims to facilitate online payments and establish seamless connections between businesses and banks for secure transactions.

FenanPay addresses the industry’s challenges by prioritizing security, user-friendly applications, and a wide array of options. It caters not only to individual users but also to institutions and private government organizations, enabling hassle-free online payments.

According to Binyam Negus, CEO of BtNet Technology Solutions Plc, many organizations currently face high commission charges from financial institutions, sometimes as high as 4 percent. FenanPay presents an opportunity for companies to potentially pay zero percent commission, contingent on their overall activity and efficiency. Institutions that cannot achieve a zero percent commission will benefit from the system’s options, ensuring they pay the minimum commission fee available in the market.

BtNet is committed to supporting companies in their technological journey by providing technical assistance and support. FenanPay allows customers to make payments without sharing sensitive bank account or mobile banking information, reducing the burden on organizations and enhancing user convenience.

By our staff reporter

January 18 was a day that passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines ET106 flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele will never forget. What should have been a routine landing turned into a heart-stopping moment as the aircraft skidded off the runway at Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekele. The cause? An alleged flat tire that sent shockwaves of panic through the cabin.

As the midday sun bathed the airport in its warm glow, the pilot skillfully maneuvered the aircraft for landing. However, as the wheels made contact with the runway, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. The alleged flat tire made its presence known, causing the aircraft to veer off course and skid off the runway with a jolt.

Inside the cabin, passengers held their breath as the plane came to a sudden halt. The collective gasp of relief filled the air as they realized that, against all odds, everyone had escaped unharmed. Miraculously, not a single passenger suffered any injuries or incidents during this heart-pounding ordeal.

The swift response and professionalism exhibited by the Ethiopian Airlines crew cannot be overstated. With calm precision, they immediately initiated the emergency evacuation procedures, ensuring the safe and efficient evacuation of all passengers. The cabin crew’s reassuring voices and swift actions helped to alleviate the anxiety that gripped the passengers.

As emergency personnel rushed to the scene, a sense of gratitude permeated the air. Passengers felt immense relief and expressed their appreciation for the airline staff’s quick thinking and ability to maintain composure during such a critical moment. Their professionalism and commitment to passenger safety were truly commendable.

Ethiopian Airlines, renowned for its impeccable safety standards, wasted no time in launching a thorough investigation into the incident.

Ethiopian Airlines released a statement about the incident saying “Ethiopian Airlines ET106/18 January which departed Addis Ababa at 12:30 Local time had a runway excursion after landing at Mekelle Alula Aba Nega International Airport at 14:10 Local time. All passengers and crew were disembarked safely with no injuries. We are conducting investigation to determine the cause of the incident. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience encountered.”

As the investigation progresses, passengers eagerly anticipate the findings, hoping that valuable insights will emerge to further enhance aviation safety. The incident at Alula Aba Nega Airport stands as a testament to the resilience and professionalism of Ethiopian Airlines, as well as the remarkable calmness and cooperation displayed by its passengers.