Africa’s digital identity journey reaches DPI, standards and service integration

Biometric Update reported from the ID4Africa 2024 AGM in Cape Town, South Africa on the highlights from all four days of sessions and workshops. The theme of the event this year was “Digital Identity as DPI: Fostering Trust, Inclusion & Adoption.”

Reports by Ayang Macdonald, Abigail Opiah, Ghulam Shabir Arain, and Chris Burt.

Biometric Update reports from ID4Africa 2024

UrbanID consultant roots for tokenization as key digital ID security option

As concerns about identity theft and data misuse fill out, it is imperative for governments, businesses and enterprises to consider privacy-preserving identity management choices including tokenization ..

Legal reforms adapted to tech changes, data safeguards vital for expanding digital ID reach

Exploring how legal reforms which are adapted to technological changes as well as safeguards such as data protection mechanisms and best practices can grow legal and digital identity ecosystems in Africa.

Advancing interoperability in Africa: Overcoming challenges for digital integration

Africa’s challenges with infrastructure, unreliable electricity and high energy costs are a key factor that can hinder the deployment and maintenance of digital systems.

ID4Africa EC says Africa’s voice on identity now louder, more coherent

The Executive Chairman of ID4Africa has lauded the smashing success of this year’s AGM, saying the continent’s voice on the future of identity came out stronger, louder and more coherent.

National digital identity authorities share real-world governance and service gains 

In a session at the recent ID4Africa 2024 AGM, representatives from various corners of the globe converged to discuss the transformative power of digital identity systems.

UNHCR salutes African govts’ pledge to accelerate digital ID action for forcibly displaced

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has lauded the willingness by some African governments to take stronger actions aimed at fostering digital identity inclusion for refugees, other forcibly displaced and stateless persons on the continent.

DPI critical to effective digital transformation in government

Robert Opp, chief digital officer of UNDP emphasizes the importance of viewing DPI as the digital equivalent of physical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

Connecting national ID and health systems can boost civil registration

Experts from development organizations supporting civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) efforts around the world have reiterated the need to link national identity and health systems as a way of accelerating efficient and sustainable civil registration.

Digital ID for air travel is DPI that could lift Africa’s economy

As the African continent experiences economic growth and increasing global integration, the potential for enhancing air travel through improved digital identification systems and digital public infrastructure (DPI) is gaining attention.

Choose strategy for digital ID wallet integration, governance frameworks carefully

Discussions on how national ID systems can be integrated with wallets and verifiable credentials, as well as the need to set up robust governance frameworks for the rollout of national digital ID headlined the last day of plenary exchanges.

Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa unveiled as host of 2025 ID4Africa AGM

The choice was disclosed on Day 2 of the ongoing AGM in Cape Town, putting an end to what the movement’s executive chairman, Dr. Joseph Atick, described jokingly as “one of the worst kept secrets.”

Digital transformation, easing access to services and NIST in the spotlight at ID4Africa Day 2

Executives of digital ID and biometrics companies share details of their real-world experiences on successfully building and operating digital identity systems that create, or should create, massive social impact.

Africa’s digital ID experiences yield lessons on engaging stakeholders, open standards

There is significant progress in the implementation of legal and digital identity systems in Africa, but there is a barrage of challenges still to deal with.

ID4Africa celebrates identity strides as 10th AGM kicks off with record attendance

This year’s AGM, which has a record attendance of more than 2,000 delegates from over 100 countries, marks the 10th anniversary of the movement which was founded in 2014.

NADRA selling biometric kit abroad, denies reported CNIC issuance expansion at home

Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has made considerable steps in improving digital identity management services ..

Biometrics providers prepare for ID4Africa with tech tailored to continental market

Biometrics providers are taking their portfolio of cutting-edge software and hardware to the ID4Africa 2024 general meeting which begins Tuesday May 21 in the South African port city of Cape Town.

ID4Africa 2024 AGM adds 4th day to accommodate largest-ever program

The program for this year’s big ID4Africa in-person gathering has been released, unveiling a new kind of technology demonstration and ..

Restructured ID4Africa Ambassadors Program to foster collaboration on legal identity agenda

Earlier this year ID4Africa unveiled its 2024 batch of Ambassadors and deputies, with major changes to how the program will function, going forward.

Article Topics

Africa  |  biometrics  |  digital ID  |  digital public infrastructure  |  ID4Africa  |  ID4Africa 2024  |  open standards