Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia receives smart court equipment from the US Embassy

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2024 – The United States Embassy in Ethiopia, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), today presented over $300,000 worth of transcribing equipment to the Federal Supreme Court (FSC) of Ethiopia.

The Embassy indicated that this equipment will support the FSC’s ongoing implementation and expansion of its smart court system, which was launched in January of this year.

In a handover ceremony at the Federal Supreme Court, the US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga delivered $300,000 worth of smart court equipment to the FSC. The technology will support the judiciary in providing a more responsive, efficient, and accessible justice system.

The provision of this equipment is in direct response to a request made by FSC President Tewodros Mihret during a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador on December 21, the Embassy further stated.

Subsequent discussions with INL highlighted the critical role this equipment would play in expediting case adjudication and advancing judicial reform by enhancing court credibility, transparency, and consistency.

This support falls under the 2019 Letter of Agreement (LOA 2019-01) between the United States and the Government of Ethiopia, which aims to strengthen the justice sector and rule of law. The donated equipment includes transcribing equipment, computers, recording materials, and smart TVs, and will contribute to increasing the number of smart courts across the country.