Ethiopia’s Root Certificate Authority (Country
Signing Certificate Authority – CSCA), the key system securing the nation’s
electronic passports, has received official recognition from the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has been added to its global Public
Key Directory. This significant milestone ensures Ethiopian e-passports are
trusted and accepted at international borders worldwide.
This global recognition reflects Ethiopia’s
commitment to enhancing digital security and safeguarding its citizens’ travel
documents. The inclusion in ICAO’s directory guarantees the authenticity and
integrity of Ethiopian e-passports, helping to prevent forgery and identity
theft on a global scale.
The achievement builds on technological
advances, including the launch of the CSCA service by the Information Network
Security Administration (INSA) in 2025. It was made possible after the
establishment of Ethiopia’s first Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) data center
in 2024, marking a foundational step in the country’s digital security journey.
