WHO Ethiopia has fully transitioned its fuel management operations to the TeleBirr e-payment platform, marking a key milestone in its drive for transparency, efficiency, and digital transformation. This move aligns with national regulations introduced in April 2024, which mandated that all fuel transactions in Ethiopia shift from paper-based coupons to electronic payments.
With a fleet of 89 vehicles supporting public health initiatives across urban and remote regions, WHO Ethiopia integrated Ethio-Telecom’s SMS-based TeleBirr system into its operations. This shift eliminates manual processes and paper coupons, offering a real-time, traceable system that simplifies fuel purchases nationwide.
Monssan Basile Yapo, WHO Ethiopia Senior Operations Officer, emphasized that the change “represents more than just a change in payment methods; it builds a smarter, more responsive operational framework that supports our health teams with minimal disruption and maximum accountability.”
TeleBirr’s SMS-based functionality ensures accessibility even in remote areas with limited connectivity. With over 52 million users nationwide, the platform provides a robust and widely available solution for WHO Ethiopia’s expansive field operations.
The implementation process included registering all suboffices with TeleBirr, procuring mobile hardware, and establishing unique e-wallet accounts for secure fund management. Regional and central offices now use short codes linked to their respective wallets, enabling targeted fuel disbursements and instant monitoring. Rigorous system testing, development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and comprehensive training for drivers and transport officers ensured a smooth rollout.
Kalkidan Alemayehu, WHO Transport Officer, noted that digital transactions now offer real-time visibility of fund flows and fuel consumption, reducing misuse and eliminating the burdens of managing paper coupons. Time and resources previously spent on manual tracking can now be redirected to mission-critical health work, ensuring uninterrupted support to even the most hard-to-reach communities.
The project involved cross-functional coordination between WHO Ethiopia’s Operations, Finance, ICT, and transport teams, alongside engagement from the WCO Ethiopia Management Team and the WHO Global Fleet Management Unit. Field staff played a critical role in training and feedback collection, contributing to the smooth adoption of the system.
While initial adjustments were needed, particularly for staff less familiar with mobile money systems, targeted training and ongoing support successfully bridged the gap. ICT Focal Person Ayenachew Zewdie highlighted that “the benefits far outweigh the challenges,” offering a system that enhances control, accountability, and operational integrity.
This initiative positions WHO Ethiopia as a model for operational innovation within the UN system, reflecting broader institutional moves toward digital-first approaches. By embracing TeleBirr, WHO Ethiopia not only ensures compliance with national policy but also strengthens its ability to respond quickly and effectively to health emergencies and development priorities, setting the stage for future digital initiatives across its programs.
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