Cameroon Partners with AUGENTIC to Modernize National ID Card System

Cameroon has entered into a build-operate-transfer agreement with German biometric technology company AUGENTIC to upgrade its national identity card system. The 15-year contract involves AUGENTIC financing, designing, developing, installing, and operating the new system through an investment of €70 million.

The project will encompass the establishment of secure passport personalization and citizen enrollment centers, the introduction of a modern enrollment center in Douala, the renovation or construction of regional enrollment offices across the country, and the implementation of a cashless payment system for passport fees. Cutting-edge IT infrastructure will also be deployed for seamless data management, enrollment, and personalization.

In recent years, AUGENTIC has also secured contracts in Angola for the implementation of biometric passports and national ID cards, and has expanded its reach to other African countries like Tanzania, where the firm has implemented digital public service solutions that include biometric data capture.

In addition to ID cards, AUGENTIC will produce various other identification documents for Cameroon, including residency permits, refugee cards, national disability cards, and police professional cards.

The partnership aims to streamline Cameroon’s identity management system and improve security through advanced biometric technology, and lead to the creation of high-tech job opportunities within Cameroon, promoting economic growth and development. A streamlined logistical system will ensure the issuance of passports within 48 hours.

With its AUGENTIC partnership, Cameroon joins a rapidly growing list of African nations pursuing biometrics-based national ID programs, including Ethiopia, Somalia, and NIgeria, where an expanded Nigeria ID program is set to rival India’s famed Aadhaar in scope.

Source: iTWeb, Cameroon Concord

—

May 14, 2024 — by Tony Bitzionis