The Ethiopian Ministry of Trade is doing trial runs for Online Trade Registration and Licensing System. The 300 million birr project was initiated by the federal government and is expected to be launched on a national level.
The software for the OTRLS program, which would replace the current manual business registration process, was developed by Custor Computing plc at a total cost of 1 million birr. The online system will not require applicants for a new business license or those seeking renewal of licenses to appear in person at the ministry offices except to pick up the physical copy of the license issued.
The new system allows a person to log into the system to obtain information on the requirements for a particular type of business license or for renewal. The individual can then go on to fill out the appropriate form and attach scanned copies of supporting documentation such as there Tax Identification Number and business details.
The digitized system will help streamline the ministries services and eliminate the pile up that is currently an issue explained Nuredin Mohammed, Director of the Business Registration Directorate.The new system will be launched in the Amhara, Oromia and Southern Regional State in the next two months. The Information Network and Security Technology will also be overseeing the project offering training for employees.
The Ministry is looking to adopting the system across five regions with the cost of the installation being shared by each regional state explained Ali Siraj State Minister for Trade.
Source: Addis Fortune
