Ethiopia Launches First-Ever Digital Lottery in Historic Ceremony

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a groundbreaking move that signals the nation’s progressive shift toward digital transformation, Ethiopia has officially launched its first digital lottery. The historic unveiling took place at the prestigious Sky Light Hotel in Addis Ababa, drawing a diverse audience that included government officials, business leaders, stakeholders from the lottery industry, and representatives of key organizations.

The digital lottery was jointly launched by Honorable Habtamu H/Michael, Deputy CEO of Ethiopia Investment Holdings (EIH), Beza Girma, CEO of the Ethiopian Lottery Service, and Solomon Kebere, CEO of Tamcon Software Solution. Their partnership underscores a collaborative effort to modernize one of Ethiopia’s longest-standing public entertainment services.

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This development marks a significant transition from the traditional, paper-based lottery system to a modern digital platform designed to offer greater convenience, transparency, and accessibility. Citizens across the country will now be able to participate in the lottery using their digital devices, eliminating geographical and logistical barriers that once hindered participation.

During his keynote address, Hon. Habtamu H/Michael reflected on the 64-year legacy of the Ethiopian Lottery Service, noting its longstanding role in providing entertainment, creating employment, and rewarding citizens. He emphasized that the shift to digital is not merely a technological update, but a strategic enhancement that will increase operational efficiency, reduce instances of fraud, and broaden the lottery’s reach—contributing meaningfully to Ethiopia’s economic development.

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Ethiopia Investment Holdings, established in 2014 E.C., plays a central role in overseeing and optimizing state-owned enterprises, including the Ethiopian Lottery Service. With over 40 public enterprises under its portfolio, EIH is focused on driving profitability and improving competitiveness in crucial sectors of the economy. The digital lottery is one of the many initiatives being undertaken to fulfill this mandate.

Beyond the immediate convenience of online ticket purchases and result checking, the digital lottery is poised to offer broader socio-economic benefits. Increased engagement is expected to translate into higher revenue, some of which can be channeled into public welfare programs and infrastructure projects. The shift to digital also aligns Ethiopia with global trends in gaming and financial technology, placing it alongside other African nations such as Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, where digital lotteries have significantly boosted revenue and expanded financial inclusion.

Looking ahead, the Ethiopian Lottery Service has expressed its intention to continue enhancing its digital platform. Future plans include the introduction of instant-win games, seamless mobile payment integrations, and expansive awareness campaigns to educate and engage citizens nationwide. Security and fairness remain a top priority, with discussions underway about leveraging blockchain technology and AI-powered verification tools to safeguard the system against fraud and ensure transparency.

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Ethiopia’s foray into digital lottery gaming represents more than a technological upgrade—it is a strategic pivot toward a digital economy. By embracing innovation and forging partnerships with private tech firms, the country is laying the foundation for long-term digital transformation in the public sector. As this pioneering initiative continues to evolve, it holds promise not just for gaming enthusiasts, but for all citizens poised to benefit from a more connected, efficient, and transparent system.