Rwanda Launches Digital ID for Better Security and Access

Published Date : 8/8/2025 

Rwanda's National Identification Agency (NIDA) has launched the registration for the country's new digital ID, set to be rolled out in 2026. The project aims to provide a secure biometric identity to all citizens, refugees, and foreign residents, enhancing access to various services and national security. 

Some Rwandans have begun registration ahead of the rollout of the country’s new national digital ID, scheduled for 2026. The National Identification Agency (NIDA) launched nationwide registration on August 7, but biometric capture is expected to kick off in mid-September. NIDA Director General, Josephine Mukesha, announced this during a recent press briefing.

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. 'It [the digital ID] doesn’t get lost and it’s not necessary that you walk with it, and 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 has been making significant gains in 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 will be available in the form of a physical card, a digital version, and an authentication number, which will be unique and assigned to an individual for life. This is a significant improvement over the old system, where citizens had to be issued different ID numbers for card replacements, as reported by KT Press.

A key feature of the SDIS will be an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). This system 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 urging citizens to cooperate for the successful implementation of the project. The government is also planning a nationwide campaign to sensitize citizens to the importance of the digital ID project and encourage their participation.

NIDA has stated that once the core architecture of the digital ID system is set up, existing cards of the old generation will be withdrawn and phased out. This transition aims to ensure a seamless and secure digital identity system for all residents of Rwanda, aligning the country with global standards in identity management and digital transformation. 

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 a secure biometric identity to all citizens, refugees, and foreign residents, enhancing access to various public and private sector services and improving national security.

Q: When will the biometric capture for the digital ID begin?

A: Biometric capture for the digital ID is expected to begin in mid-September 2023.

Q: How much is the project estimated to cost?

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

Q: What forms will the new digital ID take?

A: The new digital ID will be available in the form of a physical card, a digital version, and an authentication number, which will be unique and assigned to an individual for life.

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

A: The Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) will deduplicate the biometric database, facilitate biometric identification in real time, and support the printing of biometric digital ID cards. 

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