Rwanda Begins Nationwide Digital ID Registration for 2026 Launch

Published Date : 8/8/2025 

Rwanda's National Identification Agency (NIDA) has commenced the registration process for the country's new digital ID, set to roll out in 2026. The initiative, part of the Single Digital Identification System (SDIS) project, aims to provide secure biometric identities to all residents. 

Some Rwandans have begun registration ahead of the country’s new national digital ID, which is scheduled for rollout in 2026. The National Identification Agency (NIDA) launched nationwide registration on August 7, with biometric capture expected to start in mid-September, as announced by NIDA Director General, Josephine Mukesha.

An ongoing international trade fair at the Gikondo community center in Kigali, running until August 17, is providing many people with the opportunity to get registered for the digital ID.

“This digital ID doesn’t get lost and it’s not necessary that you walk with it. It gives us the right to control what information to share and when, and even to stop sharing if necessary,” Mukesha said, as quoted by RadioTV10, during the launch of the registration drive.

Rwanda’s new digital ID is part of the Single Digital Identification System (SDIS) project, which began in earnest in 2023 with a legislative amendment. The project is estimated to cost around $38 million upon completion. It aims to provide every citizen, refugee, and foreign resident in Rwanda with a secure biometric digital identity, facilitating access to a wide range of public and private sector services. This initiative is part of the country’s broader digital transformation plan, which is making significant gains in the area of connectivity.

To support the digital ID enrollment efforts across the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the government recently announced the allocation of about $8.5 million. According to the government, the new digital ID system will not only streamline access to digital services but will also enhance national security. The ID is expected to be in the form of a physical card, a digital version, and an authentication number which can be used to access online services. This number will be unique and assigned to an individual for life, unlike with the old system where citizens have had to be issued different ID numbers for card replacements.

A key feature of the SDIS, as explained by authorities, will be an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) that will play a three-fold role: deduplicating the biometric database, facilitating biometric identification in real-time, and supporting the eventual printing of biometric digital ID cards.

Authorities are asking citizens to cooperate for the successful unfolding of the exercise. In this regard, the government is looking forward to a nationwide campaign to sensitize citizens to the importance of the digital ID project and why they should contribute to its success. NIDA says once the core architecture of the digital ID system is set up, existing cards of the old generation will be withdrawn and phased out. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the purpose of Rwanda's new digital ID?

A: The purpose of Rwanda's new digital ID is to provide every citizen, refugee, and foreign resident with a secure biometric identity, facilitating access to public and private sector services and enhancing national security.

Q: When is the digital ID expected to roll out?

A: The digital ID is expected to roll out in 2026.

Q: What will the digital ID consist of?

A: The digital ID will consist of a physical card, a digital version, and an authentication number unique to each individual for life.

Q: How much is the project expected to cost?

A: The project is estimated to cost around $38 million upon completion.

Q: What is the role of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)?

A: The ABIS will deduplicate the biometric database, facilitate real-time biometric identification, and support the printing of biometric digital ID cards. 

More Related Topics :