AFRICA’S drive to modernise identity systems is gaining serious traction, with five countries reporting substantial progress despite persistent challenges. The updates came on Day 1 of ID4Africa 2025, taking place from May 20 to 23 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where ID authorities from Somalia, Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Mauritania shared their achievements, lessons, and ambitions.
At the forum, each country presented its own journey, revealing common obstacles such as limited infrastructure, funding shortfalls, legal voids, and public scepticism. Yet, the stories that emerged were ones of determination and innovation—with nations making bold moves to deliver secure, inclusive digital ID systems.
Somalia aims to register 15 million
In a striking announcement, Somalia revealed plans to enrol 15 million citizens by the end of 2025. Abdiwali Ali Abdulle, head of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), said the country has moved from fragmented systems to a unified digital ID programme launched just two years ago with support from Pakistan’s NADRA.
He credited strong federal political backing and growing demand from banks and law enforcement as key drivers. Somalia also plans to introduce online self-registration via mobile from November, expand biometric verification to include iris scans, and align with regional ID systems by 2030.
Mauritania surpasses 94 percent coverage
Mauritania reported over 94 percent national ID coverage since implementing a new system in 2020. Sidi Ali Nafee, Director of the National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles (ANRPTS), highlighted the role of SIGPTS, a government-wide ID management platform.
The 2023 launch of Houwiyeti, a digital services platform, has allowed citizens to apply for documents like passports from home. Over 622,000 extracts were processed digitally this year, and 70 percent of passport requests now happen online.
Tanzania links ID to economy and welfare
Tanzania has registered over 25 million individuals, or 81 percent of adults, through its National Identification Authority (NIDA). The ID system is now integrated with over 124 public and private institutions, generating $45.4 million in verification revenue.
According to Director Edson Guyai, the system has become crucial for universal health coverage, social protection, and mobile financial services. Plans are underway to introduce infant biometric capture, issue IDs at birth, and address gaps in birth registration and legal frameworks.
Benin pioneers deep ID integration
Benin’s success was described by Aristide Adjinacou, Director General of the National Agency for the Identification of Persons, as a case of ‘bold reforms and pragmatic innovation’.
Since 2016, Benin has built a robust identity backbone linking civil status, economic systems, and public services. Over 30 million people—98 percent of the population—are registered, with 10 million ID documents issued and 200,000 biometric authentications processed daily, mainly via mobile operators.
‘Our register is connected to over 80 institutions, allowing seamless verification and secure data exchange,’ said Adjinacou.
Malawi expands access to rural citizens
Malawi has registered 12.5 million citizens, with efforts focused on rural access, child registration, and sustainable management. Principal Secretary Mphatso Sambo of the National Registration Bureau said the system now supports over 30 government and private services, including elections and social grants.
He stressed the importance of community outreach, robust financing, and partner collaboration in achieving inclusion. Malawi’s progress has earned praise from the United Nations Development Programme as a model for social equity.
Shared challenges, shared momentum
Though operating in different contexts, each of the five nations is facing down infrastructure, legal, and financial hurdles with increasing confidence and innovation.
The momentum shown at ID4Africa 2025 in Addis Ababa points to a growing continental shift. As digital identity becomes the foundation for financial inclusion, governance, and regional integration, African governments are demonstrating that transformation is not only possible—it is already underway.
