Azerbaijan’s gov’t modern civil service system serves as model for Ethiopia: Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, May 15, 2024 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated that Azerbaijan’s modern government service delivery system can serve as a model for Ethiopia’s civil service reform.

A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh visited the ASAN Service Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, where government services are provided digitally in a centralized manner.

In his remarks to the media, Temesgen said that the delegation have observed the efficient digital delivery of government services at the ASAN Service Center.

This service delivery model, which aims to respond to citizens’ good governance demands and prevent petty corruption, has gained international recognition.

According to the deputy prime minister, the public satisfaction with government services in Azerbaijan has reached 99.8 percent and the government has garnered various global awards for its achievements.

Temesgen expressed that Ethiopia will take Azerbaijan’s integrated digital government service as a model in its own efforts to improve public service delivery.

“As a country, we are on a journey to enhance our government services,” stated Temesgen , adding that beyond just learning from Azerbaijan’s experience, Ethiopia has signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate and work together.

The deputy prime minister noted that the government has initiated policy and legal reforms, and is currently piloting service delivery and administrative improvements in eight federal institutions.

He said that in the near future, the reform will be fully implemented, requiring all federal, regional, and subordinate agencies to modernize their operations.

Temesgen highlighted that the government is demonstrating political commitment to replicate the successes achieved in the country’s economic development and social sectors through improvements in service delivery and good governance.

These measures, he stated, are aimed at enhancing citizens’ satisfaction and trust in the government.

The visit to the ASAN Service Center in Azerbaijan is part of Ethiopia’s efforts to draw lessons and best practices that can be adapted to improve its own civil service reform agenda and public service delivery mechanisms.