Ethiopia Launches E-PPD Platform to Enhance Public-Private Dialogue

Ethiopia has launched an electronic Public-Private Dialogue (E-PPD) platform aimed at improving communication and collaboration between the government and the private sector.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by GIZ, the Business and Investment Climate (BEIC) project developed this platform with an estimated investment of 3 million birr.

“The platform aims to address critical policy and business challenges through structured dialogues that utilize data and align with internationally recognized best practices.” Says Serkalem Tafesse, Communications at EuroChamber.

The PPD Platform operates through a dynamic ecosystem that includes dialogue forums, digital tools, and administrative structures. It begins with issue identification, where Government agencies, businesses, and civil society organizations can submit policy proposals through the online portal. The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) reviews these proposals, and expert working groups analyze the issues raised.

Part of the data-driven policy cycle, which comprises, E-consultation, E-legislation, and E-PDD, the platform is co-chaired by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) and ECCSA. It includes online forums, tools for document sharing, and features to track progress on policy initiatives. The Ministry of Innovation and Technology hosts the platform, while ECCSA manages its day-to-day operations.

By facilitating communication and data-sharing, the E-PPD platform aims to enhance policymaking and improve the business environment in Ethiopia.

The platform employs user authentication to ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. It also includes features for efficient document management, communication among users, and tracking the progress of tasks. Additionally, the platform generates reports based on collected data to support informed decision-making. These features work together to enhance stakeholder engagement and improve governance in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has been ranked 24th from the bottom out of 193 countries in the recent United Nations E-Government Development Report. Although this marks a considerable improvement, with the country rising 10 places from its previous position of 179, it still falls within the lower-middle tier, receiving a minimum first-level rating.

In the 2020 Ease of Doing Business (EODB) report, Ethiopia ranked 159th out of 190 countries, marking a slight improvement of two positions compared to 2018. Meanwhile, the 2023 Global Innovation Index (GII) ranked Ethiopia 125th out of 132 economies. This places Ethiopia 7th among 12 low-income countries and 21st among 28 Sub-Saharan African economies, reflecting a modest improvement from its 2020 ranking of 127th.

Launched in 2021, the Technical Assistance for Business Environment and Investment Climate, including e-government, short for BEIC Project Ethiopia, aims to support the Ease of Doing Business in Ethiopia (EODB).

The project has been actively involved in various e-government initiatives, including the development of online portals for government ministries. For example, they have developed an e-clearance system for the Ministry of Revenue.

In July, BEIC helped the Ministry of Justice launch a public consultation manual and an electronic platform.

The BEIC Project is also collaborating with the National Bank of Ethiopia to improve access to credit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, they have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration to streamline the process of starting a business in Ethiopia, as they call it “the creation of a paperless company in Ethiopia”.