Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has announced the rollout of a new national checkpoint control system designed to eliminate unauthorised payments and informal toll collections at road inspection points. The initiative, which emphasizes robust monitoring and verification mechanisms, will not impose any additional charges on businesses or transporters.
The Prime Minister introduced the system during a national forum attended by business leaders from across the country, where participants voiced concerns over illegal trade, property taxation, corruption, and persistent security challenges. In response, Abiy underscored the importance of collaborative action between the government and the private sector to tackle entrenched inefficiencies and malpractice.
He highlighted the critical role of enhanced digital infrastructure in minimizing irregularities, preventing theft, and fostering institutional accountability. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, asserting that any government official found complicit in misconduct—subject to credible evidence—would be held legally accountable.
The newly introduced system aims to replace ad hoc toll practices with a formalised, transparent mechanism of oversight. Authorities expect the reform to reduce the prevalence of corruption at checkpoints, ensure regulatory compliance, and restore confidence among logistics operators and businesses engaged in domestic trade.