Ethiopia Advocates for Data Independence in Africa

Taye Atske Selassie linked Ethiopia's new digital ID system and payment reforms to the need for robust statistical frameworks across the continent.

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Ethiopia's President opened a five-day statistical summit in Addis Ababa, advocating for stronger legal protections for data institutions.
He cited the country's recent digital identification and payment system expansions as models for improving financial inclusion and service delivery.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie launched a major continental review of data systems in Addis Ababa, arguing that reliable metrics are indispensable for sustainable development. AllAfrica reported that he addressed the commencement of the tenth session of the African statistical commission, which coincided with a related UN geospatial management gathering. The head of state maintained that without precise measurement, governments cannot effectively plan or scale their economic strategies.

Selassie pointed to recent domestic legislative changes as evidence of Ethiopia’s commitment to this goal. The country recently overhauled its statistical laws and created a standalone statistical agency, according to the publication. These structural shifts are designed to coordinate official data production more effectively. He emphasized that such independence allows for better tracking of progress and enhanced governmental accountability to citizens.

The President also connected these statistical efforts to broader digital infrastructure projects. He highlighted the Fayda national digital identification program and the interoperable payment infrastructure as key drivers of financial inclusion. AllAfrica noted that mobile banking and money accounts in the nation totaled 257 million by late 2026. These platforms processed over 24 trillion birr in the first three quarters of that year, demonstrating the scale of the digital expansion.

Selassie cautioned that poor data quality can erode public trust and hinder evidence-based decision-making. He called on peer nations to invest in their national statistical systems and adopt emerging technologies while managing resource constraints. The leader stressed that innovation must support data integrity rather than compromise it, ensuring that diverse data sources are safeguarded.

The five-day event brings together stakeholders from across the continent to refine these data systems. Ethiopia has positioned itself as a willing partner in sharing its reform experiences with other African states. The summit aims to reinforce official statistics as a shared public good that ensures every community is represented in development evidence.

Ethiopian Leader Pushes for Continental Data Independence at Addis Ababa Summit

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