Madagascar Launches Biometric ID Card for Civil Registry Reform

Published Date : 7/7/2025 

Madagascar's Senate has approved a landmark bill to modernize the country's civil registry system, paving the way for a nationwide biometric ID card initiative. The reform aligns with the PRODIGY project, a $143 million World Bank-funded effort to enhance digital governance and ensure legal ID for all by 2030. The government is now preparing a major tender for biometric ID card production, with key players like Laxton and IN Groupe already involved in related contracts. 

Madagascar's legislative body has taken a significant step toward modernizing its civil registry system, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's digital transformation. The Senate recently passed a bill aimed at streamlining the identification of natural persons, a move that has been hailed as a critical milestone for the country's digital governance agenda. This development follows the bill's approval by the lower house of parliament, signaling a unified legislative push to enhance administrative efficiency and citizen services. n nThe legislation, which received widespread support, is designed to overhaul Madagascar's civil registration mechanisms. According to Jean Aholou, a consultant involved in drafting the bill, the new framework will align the country's ID system with international standards. This alignment is crucial for Madagascar's participation in global initiatives like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16.9, which emphasizes legal identity for all by 2030. The bill also introduces a unique identification certificate as a legally recognized document, enhancing the reliability and security of the national ID system. n nThe reform is part of the broader PRODIGY (Digital Governance and Identification Management Project), a $143 million initiative funded by the World Bank. Launched five years ago, PRODIGY aims to build digital public infrastructure that improves access to public services and stimulates the country's digital economy. The project, which runs until 2026, is expected to address long-standing gaps in civil registration, particularly in rural areas where birth and death records are often incomplete. By integrating biometric data into the ID system, the project seeks to reduce fraud and ensure that every citizen has a verifiable legal identity. n nThe Senate's approval of the bill comes just weeks after Madagascar's digital government agency announced plans to issue a tender for the large-scale production of biometric ID cards. This move is part of PRODIGY's strategy to modernize public services and strengthen digital governance. The tender, which is currently in the early stages of market engagement, seeks a contractor to supply a secure national ID card production system. This includes everything from consumables and specialized printing equipment to card personalization, packaging, and delivery. Additional requirements include service supervision, staff training, and technical assistance to ensure the system's long-term sustainability. n nKey players in the biometric ID sector are already positioning themselves to win the contract. Laxton, a company set to transfer a majority stake to DNP this month, has been involved in supplying biometric registration kits under PRODIGY. Similarly, IN Groupe, which recently completed the acquisition of Idemia Smart Identity, was awarded a contract to modernize Madagascar's civil registry and create a digital ID system for public services. These partnerships highlight the growing role of private sector expertise in advancing the country's digital infrastructure. n nThe new bill also addresses critical gaps in civil registration, which have long hindered access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social welfare. By streamlining the process of birth and death registration, the legislation aims to ensure that all citizens, including marginalized communities, are officially recognized. This is particularly important in a country where approximately 30% of children under five lack a birth certificate, according to the World Bank. The reform is expected to improve data accuracy and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for citizens seeking government services. n nAs the tender process unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching to see how the new system will be implemented. The government has emphasized the importance of transparency and competition in selecting the right partner. An online event held in June 2025 provided an opportunity for potential bidders to understand the scope of the project, with detailed discussions on technical specifications and compliance requirements. This engagement is a key step in ensuring that the final contract meets the needs of both the government and the private sector. n nThe success of PRODIGY and the new ID system will depend on several factors, including public acceptance, technological reliability, and the ability to scale the system across Madagascar's diverse regions. While the bill and tender represent significant progress, challenges remain, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing potential resistance from local authorities. Nonetheless, the reforms are seen as a necessary step toward building a more inclusive and efficient governance model for the island nation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main purpose of Madagascar's new civil registry bill?

A: The bill aims to modernize Madagascar's civil registration system by introducing a secure, biometric-based national ID framework. It aligns with international standards and supports the PRODIGY project's goals of improving access to public services and achieving SDG 16.9 by 2030.

Q: How does the PRODIGY project benefit Madagascar?

A: PRODIGY, a $143 million World Bank-funded initiative, enhances digital governance by building infrastructure for secure ID systems. It addresses gaps in civil registration, reduces fraud, and ensures legal identity for all citizens, which is critical for accessing healthcare, education, and social services.

Q: What are the key requirements for the biometric ID card tender?

A: The tender seeks a contractor to supply secure ID card production systems, including consumables, printing equipment, personalization, packaging, and delivery. It also requires technical assistance, staff training, and long-term service supervision to ensure system reliability.

Q: Which companies are involved in Madagascar's ID initiatives?

A: Laxton and IN Groupe are key players. Laxton provides biometric registration kits, while IN Groupe modernized the civil registry and acquired Idemia Smart Identity. Both companies are expected to play a role in the upcoming ID card tender.

Q: What challenges might Madagascar face in implementing the new system?

A: Challenges include ensuring data privacy, addressing bureaucratic resistance, and scaling the system across diverse regions. Public acceptance and technological reliability will also be critical to the project's long-term success. 

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