On the Record: Ethiopia’s Head of Immigration and Citizenship Services

Driving digital transformation, Ms Selamawit Dawit has played a pivotal role in elevating Ethiopia’s global presence and modernising its public services. Now serving as Director General of Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS), she brings a wealth of experience from diplomacy, public administration, and policy leadership, having previously served as Director General of the Diaspora Agency and State Minister of Tourism.

As head of ICS, Ms Dawit led the launch of Ethiopia’s first ePassport, a groundbreaking step toward modernising travel documentation and strengthening national security. In this interview, she shares her vision for Ethiopia’s identity and immigration services, the challenges of digital transformation, and what’s next in the country’s journey toward smarter, more secure public services.