Electronic transaction means the conducting of businesses over computer mediated networks including mobile phones and other devices, and shall include, but is not limited to, electronic commerce and electronic government services, as explained in the draft Electronic Transaction Proclamation.
The House of Peoples’ Representatives in its 15th regular session made a heated discussion on draft Electronic Transaction Proclamation and referred to the House’s Human Resources and Technology Affairs Standing Committee for a detail review.
As stated on the draft proclamation, it is necessary to provide equal treatment to users of paper and computer-based information, thereby creating a more secure legal environment, which enables and facilitates the use of electronic transactions by citizens and private entities, and public bodies. And also, the use of electronic commerce positively affects market opportunities, thereby empowering citizens to be included in the economy, and also enable Ethiopia to be part of the digital era.
As Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed twitted about the draft proclamation, “When approved by Parliament, the Proclamation will create a thorough regulatory platform
for the use of electronic means in all transaction procedures.”
He noted that tuned in the context of the growing need for the utilization of information and communication technology across all spheres of communication, the law will for the first time establish a clear legal foundation for governmental and private institutions to offer digital services – i.e., the provision of e-commerce and e-government services and the interchange and storage of data through the use of electronic transactions, electronic records, signatures and electronic data-messages.
According to him, the proclamation will basically serve as digital medium for all existing legal frameworks on trade, taxation, recognition of documents, signature seal, witnesses, digital payments, consumer protection and data integrity – without amending their substance.
The House reported that House’s Human Resources and Technology Affairs Standing Committee in collaboration with Ministry of Innovation and Technology held a public discussion on the draft electronic transaction proclamation.
On the meeting, Dr. Abraham Belay, Minister of Innovation and Technology, said that Ethiopia is now technologically well equipped to launch electronic transactions.
According to him, the contemporary achievements and level of the nation allows the country and its institutions to engage electronic transaction.
Contents of the draft bill have been thoroughly dealt with the concerned bodies and have further been enriched with the involvement of legal professionals, he said.
He noted that electronic transaction is a trend that makes use of cell phones, computers and other electronic gadgets for information networks as well as government services. Though Ethiopia is not at the peak of technology, the current status green lights that we should move onto it, maintain it and improve it, he added.
The proclamation is intended to serve both computer literates and paper-based users equally, he said, adding that it also aims to incorporate citizens into the new trend of cyber-based economy and to drag government structures into versatility so that good governance will be ensured.
He also explained that the proclamation does not stand in contradiction with the existing commercial or any service related laws. It shall be turned pragmatic as soon as possible due to its pervasive nature which will enable citizens be part and parcel of the digital economy and is hoped to enhance the economy.
The Standing Committee, for its part, said all the clarifications made by the ministry regarding the draft proclamation are satisfactory; the accessibility and language usage aspects shall be seen cautiously in order to include all citizens. And also, the Ministry shall submit the final document to the Standing Committee so that the House will consider the promulgation aspect, the Standing Committee urged.
The Ethiopian Herald May 22/2020
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
