In February 2025, Ethiopia officially launched and began issuing its first-ever electronic passport (ePassport), integrating biometric technology, advanced encryption, and tamper-proof materials. For an African country that had not updated its passport since 2004, bringing the document into the modern area was a tremendous feat.
Several variations of the Ethiopian ePassport
Equally impressive is the modernization of Ethiopia’s travel documentation system which has improved passport issuance, streamlined the application processes, and improved passport delivery to Ethiopian citizens.
All of this is the result of an initiative and collaboration between Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS), Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), and TOPPAN Security Ethiopia S.C.
Selamawit Dawit, ICS Director General, Ethiopia tells the Keesing Platform, “The launch of Africa’s first high-security document facility in Ethiopia marks a historic milestone. For the first time, our passports will be produced entirely on Ethiopian soil: designed, printed, and personalized locally. More than a technical achievement, this is a matter of trust, pride, and regional capability. The facility will create skilled jobs, build local expertise, and support other African nations with secure, African-made identity and travel documents — made in Ethiopia, powered by TOPPAN’s advanced Japanese technology. From here, we aim to serve the continent with world-class document production that meets the highest international standards.”
A close-up look at the ePassport
The new Ethiopian passport meets international security standards and contains an embedded electronic chip that stores the holder’s personal information, including biometric data such as fingerprints.
The visual design of the ePassport is an artistic tribute to Ethiopian culture and heritage. The visa pages, security features, and elements of the passport feature intricate designs inspired by the country’s history, well-known landmarks, and famous tourist destinations.
Visa pages such as these depict Ethiopian culture and heritage
The back of the datapage: Ethiopian symbols appear under UV light
The role of TOPPAN Security Ethiopia S.C.
A critical partner in the modernization of Ethiopia’s passport and production is TOPPAN, a Japanese firm. TOPPAN Security Ethiopia Share Company (TOPPAN Security Ethiopia), is a joint venture between TOPPAN and the government of Ethiopia.
TOPPAN describes its role as follows:
The TOPPAN Group aims to leverage its technologies and solutions to pioneer comprehensive government IDs such as passports, visas, certificates, and other documents issued by government agencies across the African market.
Future endeavors will extend to producing IDs and passports for neighboring countries. Simultaneously, the Ethiopian government will ensure the operational design is aligned with local needs by establishing rules and regulations for passports and IDs.
TOPPAN and the government of Ethiopia broke ground for a new passport manufacturing and issuance plant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in May 2024. Once completed, the 12,000 sqm state-of-the-art facility will produce passports and other security documents. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Sources/References:
Ethiopia Immigration and Citizenship Service
Toppan Security
TOPPAN Security, the international arm of the TOPPAN Group, is recognized as a global leader in mission-critical identity and payment technologies. The company delivers secure documents, biometric authentication, encryption, and identity verification, supporting governments and businesses in building resilient digital ecosystems. Through global partnerships, it sets benchmarks in security, trust, and citizen experience.
