Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that Ethiopia will soon deploy mobile service units, dubbed "Virtual Mesob," to modernize government bureaucracy and bring essential services directly to citizens' doorsteps.

Speaking on the expansion of the "One Mesob" (One Basket) initiative—a program designed to house multiple government departments under one roof—the Prime Minister revealed that 33 physical centers are currently operational.

The government aims to increase this number to 100 centers by the end of the current fiscal year. However, to bypass the logistical and financial hurdles of permanent construction, the "Virtual Mesob" bus service has been introduced as a flexible alternative.

The initiative is part of a broader digital and administrative reform strategy. According to the Prime Minister, the primary objectives of the mobile units include:

Reducing Public Grievance: Minimizing the "hassle" and long wait times typically associated with public offices.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlining multi-departmental tasks through a unified mobile system.

Combating Malpractice: Reducing opportunities for petty corruption and bribery by standardizing service delivery.

Reaching Remote Areas: Providing essential services to regions where infrastructure and building costs remain a barrier.

The "Virtual Mesob" buses will function as mobile offices, equipped with the same digital infrastructure as permanent centers. They are expected to operate on a rotating schedule, visiting specific neighborhoods on designated days of the week.

Prime Minister Abiy confirmed that preparations for the rollout are complete. The mobile service is expected to be fully operational within the next two to three months.