As Africa races toward a digital future, the continent’s success hinges on one crucial element: a robust, inclusive digital identity system. Digitalization promises to transform economies, enhance governance, and empowers citizens—but none of this is possible without ensuring that every individual can be uniquely and securely identified. The ID4Africa 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Addis Ababa last week, spotlighted this urgent need. Ethiopia emerged as a continental frontrunner, showcasing its groundbreaking national digital ID program, Fayda, which is redefining public service delivery and economic participation across the nation.
Fayda, according to the Ethiopian government is becoming the backbone of Ethiopia’s Digital Economy. During his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ID4Africa conference, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) declared that digital identity has become foundational to national development. “Fayda is not just a card—it is a secure, unique identifier that empowers individuals and strengthens the bond between people and public services,” he stated.
Launched under the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, Fayda aims universal ID for all citizens. With over 15 million people already registered, it is transforming the way citizens access healthcare, education, telecommunications, and financial services. The system has facilitated digital transactions totaling over 12.5 trillion birr, drastically improving service efficiency and inclusion.
Ethiopia’s implementation of Fayda ID has drawn praise and interest from across Africa. According to National ID Program Director General, Yodahe Zemichael, many nations have formally requested Ethiopia’s support in replicating its model. Yodahe emphasized that the program’s success lies not just in its technological foundation but also in political will, institutional collaboration, and local capacity-building. “Our focus is on building a resilient digital infrastructure that underpins Ethiopia’s transformation,” he noted.
The ID4Africa conference provided an essential platform for countries to share experiences, with Ethiopia positioned as a continental leader. The event welcomed delegates from 48 African nations and over 2,000 participants, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving digital identity for all in Africa.
During the ID4Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM), Executive Chairman of ID4Africa, Joseph Atick, praised Ethiopia’s leadership and emphasized the urgency of digital identity for Africa’s development. “Digital transformation is no longer a choice; it’s an urgent necessity,” he said calling the continent to accelerate the development of digital ID. Atick warned that without digital identity, nations cannot fully reap the benefits of digitalization, especially amid rising geopolitical challenges.
“Africa must define its digital future on its own terms,” the Executive Chairman stated adding “We gather at the conference not only as participants but as members of a movement for development.” The event, themed “Digital Identity at Scale: Prioritizing Use, Accelerating Impact,” marks the beginning of a new chapter in the journey toward universal identity coverage in the African continent.
For his part, the Director General of the Addis Ababa Civil Registration and Residency Services Agency (CRRSA), Yonas Alemayehu stated that Fayda ID has revolutionized public service delivery. According to Yonas civil registration has become central to governance and digital transformation in the capital. The city’s Smart City Initiative sees Fayda to streamline service access and improve efficiency as the metropolis is eyeing to build a smart city where activities and preparations already underway towards realizing smart city.
Ethiopia is strengthening institutional development in the digital sector. The National Digital Council is among the nation’s efforts and commitments in developing the nation’s digitalization journey. The National Digital Council oversees strategic initiatives such as the development of a national data exchange platform, public key infrastructure, and the expansion of data centers in the country, which is key to accelerate digital ecosystem. In this regard, Director General of the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), Tigest Hamid highlighted that these structures are crucial for sustaining digital transformation in Ethiopia and Digital ID is a key part of this national journey.
As to Tigest while digital infrastructure is expanding and the sector shows significant development, efforts must continue to ensure that all communities benefit equally from the digital journey. Creating access to Digital ID for all citizens is one means to ensure inclusivity as it enables citizens to access services through digital means equally. In addition, for her, strengthening clear policies, creating strong institutions and enhancing international partnerships are crucial to bridging the gaps in the digital sector.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the ID4Africa AGM, Ethiopia’s Innovation and Technology Minister, Belete Molla (PhD) said for his part that Ethiopia’s digital progress stems from inclusive planning, strong leadership, and adaptive strategies. Belete emphasized the importance of adopting emerging technologies aligned with national and global priorities and Ethiopia is striving for the development of emerging technologies.
Ethiopia is expanding digital services as digital infrastructure shows significant progress. The Mesob One-Stop Service Center, launched recently by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) is integrating public services of 12 government institutions with more than 40 services. The new system has reduced service delivery time by more than 60%, which is a great gain for both institutions and the public. Fayda is facilitating the service provision in data exchange between the government bodies and the private sector.
Attended by policymakers, technologists, and civil society leaders, the ID4Africa 2025 AGM was more than just a conference, the event reaffirmed a shared commitment to building inclusive, secure, and scalable identity systems across the continent. The continental event targets on shaping the continental movement for the expansion and development of digital ID.
Founded in 2014, ID4Africa has become a central platform for advancing digital identity in Africa. Its Annual General Meetings (AGM), held every year since 2015, serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration. This year’s conference marked a milestone as the first of ID4Africa’s second decade, with Ethiopia proudly hosting the launch of a new era in digital transformation where Ethiopia shares its digital journey and the development of National Digital ID as well as Fayda’s role in expanding and securing digital services. As African nations prepare to scale their digital identity systems, Ethiopia’s experience with Fayda offers a roadmap for others to follow.
The takeaway from the continental ID event make it clear that digital identity is not a luxury for the African continent, it is a necessity for socio-economic developments in Africa. For Africa to thrive in the digital age, every citizen must be recognized, included, and empowered with digital ID. Ethiopia is leading the way with Fayda and inviting the continent to join the journey.
Meanwhile, despite notable progress in the development of digital ID in Ethiopia, still challenges remain. Prime Minister Abiy acknowledged that Ethiopia still has a long road to travel in achieving full identity coverage. Equitable access, especially for rural communities and vulnerable populations, remains a priority.
Ethiopia’s experience demonstrates that digital identity is both a catalyst and a cornerstone for national development. Ethiopia’s Fayda National ID has already begun transforming lives, services, institutions, and entire sectors. As African countries accelerate their digital agendas, the lessons from Ethiopia offer hope and guidance.
The road to a digitally integrated and prosperous Africa starts with one secure, inclusive identity. And that journey has already begun. Côte d’Ivoire’s Abidjan will host the next ID4Africa conference, it was learnt
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025
