Ethiopia Unveils Biometric Passport: A New Era in Secure Travel Documentation
A significant advancement in secure travel documentation has been marked by Ethiopia’s recent launch of a new generation biometric passport. This cutting-edge passport aims to meet the highest international security standards, enhancing both the safety of travel and the overall experience for citizens.
The Launch Event
On February 21, 2023, a launch ceremony took place, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives from international partner organizations. The first copies of the biometric passport were ceremonially issued to prominent leaders, including Ethiopia’s President, Taye Atske Selassie. This launch event not only signified the beginning of a new chapter in Ethiopia’s documentation system but also highlighted the collaboration between government and private sectors.
Collaborative Effort Behind the Passport
The rollout of this biometric passport is a tripartite initiative involving Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizen Services (ICS), Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), and Toppan Security Ethiopia. Toppan Security holds the contract for producing these advanced ID documents and is a joint venture, with Toppan Security owning 51% and Ethiopian Investment Holdings holding 49%. This partnership represents a strategic move towards modernizing Ethiopia’s immigration infrastructure and bolstering national security.
In late 2023, Toppan Security signed an agreement to deliver biometric passports, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the security and efficiency of the country’s travel documentation.
Features of the New Biometric Passport
What sets Ethiopia’s new biometric passport apart are its local production and advanced features. Thanks to a newly established industrial printing plant—built at an estimated cost of $55 million—the country can produce these passports domestically. Approximately 1.5 million passport booklets are ready for issuance, with nationwide distribution expected to start in October.
The passport is designed not only to reflect Ethiopia’s rich cultural and historical heritage but also to incorporate state-of-the-art technology. It includes embedded chips that store biometric data such as face recognition, fingerprints, or iris patterns of the holder. This feature will facilitate easy verification and significantly enhance the security of documents.
Enhancing the Travel Experience
The ICS’s Chief Executive Officer, Selamawit Dawit, emphasized the transformative potential of the new passport, noting its ability to improve security, speed up processing times, and adhere to internationally recognized standards. Such advancements are projected to enhance the travel experience for Ethiopian citizens and strengthen the country’s global standing.
Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, echoed this sentiment, considering the biometric passport as a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernization and efficiency. He highlighted the collaboration with Toppan Security and ICS as not only closing the security printing gap but also positioning Ethiopia as a regional leader in secure document production.
A Technological Leap
Kalkidan Arega, CEO of Toppan Security Ethiopia, noted that this development marks a significant technological leap for the country in travel documentation. The project serves as an example of how innovative technology can be harnessed to enhance public services and security. It encapsulates a vision for a more secure and seamless travel experience for citizens, ensuring that Ethiopia can keep pace with global advancements.
Additional Digital Immigration Services
In tandem with the launch of the biometric passport, the ICS has also announced plans to implement new digital immigration services. A digital visa system is on the horizon, designed to provide a streamlined travel experience for citizens and visitors alike. Starting February 24, 2023, the ICS began issuing modernized visa, ID, and permit services, signifying a comprehensive overhaul of existing systems.
This modernization effort reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to integrating advanced security mechanisms and improving service delivery while combating fraud and identity theft.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The introduction of the biometric passport is not just a technological innovation; it is also a strategic investment for Ethiopia. By bolstering its immigration infrastructure, the country aims to attract foreign direct investment and establish itself as a gateway to Africa. The government sees this as a critical step in promoting Ethiopia as a secure and reliable destination for international travel and investment.
The collaboration among government and international companies demonstrates a unified vision for enhancing national security and improving the travel experience for Ethiopian citizens while fostering economic growth. As Ethiopia embarks on this new journey in secure travel documentation, it sets a precedent not only for itself but potentially for the broader region.
