Ethiopia is on track to fully implement its new digital addressing system in 15 cities by the end of the current fiscal year. The landmark initiative, designed to modernize urban navigation and boost the digital economy, is already operational in a number of key urban centers.

Accordingly, work is nearing completion in Addis Ababa, Adama, Harar, Bahir Dar, Debre Berhan, and Jimma. These cities are expected to have their systems fully integrated and operational by January 9, 2026. This expansion builds on the successful pilot program launched in Bishoftu in February 2024.

Agmase Gebeyehu, project manager for the digital addressing system at the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute, stated that the project also encompasses nine additional cities where work began in the 2024/2025 fiscal year: Kombolcha, Gondar, Arba Minch, Mizan Aman, Wolaita Sodo, Awash Sebat, Hawassa, Jijiga, and Dire Dawa.

The digital addressing system is designed to provide precise location data, which is critical for a country experiencing rapid urbanization. The government anticipates that the new system will significantly improve efficiency for emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks, as well as facilitate the growth of e-commerce and delivery services.

Looking ahead, the institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, has planned preparatory work for 18 more cities this fiscal year, with full implementation set for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, ENA reported. This includes key locations such as Adwa, Mekelle, Axum, and Shire.

The project is a cornerstone of the nation’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and aims to bring a digital addressing system to a total of 73 cities under its 10-year development plan.