The Addis Ababa Trade Bureau has officially implemented a new policy prohibiting its employees from carrying mobile phones during working hours. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to improve service delivery and address growing complaints from the public regarding the quality and efficiency of government services.
According to Ato Ashenafi Berhanu, the Communications Director for the Bureau, the move is designed to ensure that staff remain focused on their duties and to support the successful implementation of the bureau's ongoing digital transformation initiatives. By minimizing distractions, the bureau aims to streamline operations and provide a more professional environment for citizens seeking trade-related services.
The bureau has been undergoing significant structural changes, including a reduction in staff numbers from over 1,500 employees to a more streamlined workforce. This latest measure is seen as a continuation of efforts to modernize the institution and restore public trust in the bureau's administrative processes.
Public feedback has frequently highlighted delays and lack of attention as major hurdles in accessing trade services in the capital. The administration hopes that by restricting personal device usage, employees will be able to dedicate their full attention to processing requests and assisting the public more effectively. The policy is expected to be strictly enforced across all departments within the bureau as it transitions toward a more digital-first service model.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia