Ethiopia, 21 October 2025 — Gursum District Administration of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State has officially launched a new digital tax collection system known as E-Tax, marking the transition from manual to automated revenue collection.
The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of the Somali Regional State Revenue Office, Abdiwahid Abdi Qorane, and Gursum District Commissioner, Abdirisaq, who both emphasized that the system will improve efficiency, transparency, and reduce corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
Deputy Minister Abdiwahid said the new digital system is part of the broader strategy of the Somali Regional State Revenue Office to establish a transparent and technology-driven tax administration that ensures fair and accurate revenue collection.
“We have transitioned from a manual system to a digital one that automatically registers taxpayers and minimizes corruption and financial mismanagement,” he said.
The E-Tax System enables business owners and taxpayers in Gursum to pay their taxes directly and securely into government bank accounts, eliminating the need for cash handovers and reducing opportunities for manual interference or corruption.
Gursum District Commissioner Abdirisaq noted that the system will significantly increase local revenue and improve the delivery of public services such as healthcare, water, and education.
“This is a major step toward ensuring that the people of Gursum have access to quality services. It makes tax payment easier and allows those funds to be reinvested into essential sectors like education and healthcare,” he said.
The new digital tax system is part of a wider reform effort led by the Barwaqo Party and the regional government to promote transparency and curb widespread corruption previously observed in.