Ethiopia’s electronic passport, unveiled earlier this year, has now been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Brands and Communication Design, recognizing its outstanding blend of advanced security features and rich cultural elements.

The announcement was made by Selamawit Dawit, director general of the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS), who described the win as a proud moment for the country. “This recognition reflects the reforms we’ve been undertaking within the ICS,” she said. “I would like to congratulate all Ethiopians on this achievement.”

The award honors the design of the Ethiopian ePassport, which integrates modern anti-forgery technologies with deeply rooted historical and cultural motifs. According to ICS, the document serves not only as a travel credential but also as a symbol of national identity.

The Red Dot Award is one of the world’s leading design competitions, known for evaluating creativity, quality, and innovation across industries.

The new ePassport is part of Ethiopia’s broader digital governance reforms, aimed at improving service delivery and aligning with international standards.