Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa
September 19, 2025
Ethio telecom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) to introduce a digital health supply chain system aimed at modernizing the distribution of medicines and medical supplies across Ethiopia.
The agreement, announced on Thursday in Addis Ababa, seeks to design and deploy a smart, secure, and data-driven platform that will improve the efficiency of the end-to-end flow of medical goods, from procurement to last-mile delivery.
EPSS, the national agency responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing medicines, has long been tasked with ensuring the availability and affordability of essential drugs in the country. The partnership with Ethio telecom is expected to strengthen these efforts by integrating technology-driven solutions into supply chain management.
The planned smart supply chain system will incorporate several innovations to improve efficiency and security.
A unified command and control platform will centralize real-time data and alerts, enabling faster decision-making and quicker responses to incidents. AI-assisted safeguards such as video analytics, facial and license-plate recognition, and behavior monitoring will enhance security and minimize losses.
To strengthen access control, biometric systems will be introduced in warehouses and offices, along with streamlined visitor identification processes. The system will also feature operational intelligence tools, including smart video for crowd and driver monitoring, as well as integrated controls for fuel usage, storage conditions, and warehouse management.
Additionally, the infrastructure will be reinforced with reliable internet connectivity, UPS backup for critical sites, modern control rooms, and electric vehicle charging facilities, ensuring resilience and sustainability in operations.
Officials said the system is designed to improve medicine management and inventory accuracy, reduce manual workloads through automation, and enhance the quality and speed of service delivery. It is also expected to strengthen regulatory compliance and asset protection within the health sector.
Ethio telecom stated that the initiative is part of its three-year strategy, “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028”, which prioritizes sector-specific digital solutions for Ethiopia’s development.
“By deploying cutting-edge enterprise technologies in healthcare, logistics, finance, and education, we aim to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transformation,” the company noted.
The collaboration marks one of the most significant steps in applying digital innovation to Ethiopia’s healthcare system, with both institutions expressing confidence that the smart supply chain will play a vital role in improving nationwide access to essential medicines.
