Zambia has announced plans to adopt Ethiopia’s Fayda digital ID system as a model for its upcoming national digital identity initiative. The move is part of a broader government strategy to modernize public services and expand digital access through locally developed technology solutions.
Learning from Ethiopia’s Digital ID Rollout
The decision follows a review of Ethiopia’s National ID Program, which has enrolled over 14 million people through the Fayda system and is scheduled to become mandatory for all banking transactions by 2026. The platform includes a mobile identity application and has been credited with reducing currency printing costs, enhancing service delivery, and supporting financial inclusion.
Speaking at a public event, Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, confirmed that the country intends to replicate key elements of the Fayda project. “We are keen to leverage Ethiopia’s success with the Fayda Project to ensure our own digital ID rollout is efficient, secure, and inclusive,” Mutati said. He emphasized the need to adopt proven solutions while tailoring them to Zambia’s specific context.
Focus on Local Innovation and Inclusive Access
Beyond the adoption of a national digital ID, Zambia’s initiative will focus on building local technology solutions that can address challenges in education, healthcare, and civil registration—especially in remote areas with limited connectivity. Government officials have stated that partnerships with domestic startups will be a key component of the rollout.
“We believe that empowering local tech innovators is key to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every Zambian, regardless of location, can benefit from digital transformation,” Mutati added.
The initiative also includes objectives to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand digital literacy programs, and enforce data protection standards to safeguard user privacy.
Part of a Regional Digital Identity Trend
Zambia’s move reflects a wider trend across Africa. Countries including Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have all launched or expanded digital identity systems to improve access to services and support digital economic development. The DRC, for instance, recently launched a national digital ID system as part of a major government modernization push.
As digital identity becomes a foundation for service delivery, governments across the continent are prioritizing interoperability, data security, and inclusion in their national strategies. Zambia’s alignment with the Fayda model signals both regional collaboration and a pragmatic approach to building sustainable digital infrastructure.
Sources: TechAfrica News, Thales, Ethiopian News Agency
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April 30, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
