The agency addressed the progress and challenges of the project during a briefing on issues raised in the Office of the Auditor General's report for the fiscal year ending June 2024.
RISA's Director General, Innocent Muhizi, explained that the initiatives under the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project, which aims to advance technology, including the development of the Digital National ID system, have made significant progress.
He clarified that previous delays have been resolved and that the current phase is progressing rapidly.
'Within the next three to four months, we will begin the initial activities for data collection and entry (pre-enrolment exercise). To be clear, the project's implementation is led by NIDA, and they will begin inputting data,' he said.
Muhizi further noted that biometric data collection for the new system will be more comprehensive than what was required for the current ID.
'Previously, when applying for a national ID, only two fingerprints were taken. Now, all ten fingers will be recorded, along with an iris scan. This means that, whereas today you are required to present your national ID to open a bank account, in the future you'll be able to do so digitally and securelyâ€"even if you are not physically present,' he explained.
Once the digital ID system becomes operational, individuals will be able to access services remotely.
'In other words, even without being physically present, you'll be able to complete financial transactions. By using your fingerprint, iris scan, or other biometric methods, we will introduce a smartphone application that allows you to verify your identity simply by saying, 'This is me,' and the system will confirm it. This isn't possible today because our current ID lacks such features,' he added.
Josephine Mukesha, Director General of the National Identification Agency (NIDA), speaking in an interview with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, announced that data collection for the Digital National ID system will begin in July 2025.
'With the new digital ID, we will no longer issue IDs starting at age 16. Instead, everyone will be assigned an ID from birth. We will collect photographs and biometric data from young children. The key difference is that the new ID will exist in three versions. Those who wish can still use the current physical ID, but it will contain less personal information. Today's IDs display age and other data that don't necessarily need to be shared with everyone,' she said.
The digital ID will include names and photos, along with a QR code containing additional data that can be accessed based on the viewer's authorisation level.
She cited the example of entering a venue with an age restriction:
'If a place requires someone to be 18 or older, the digital ID can confirm that without revealing your name or other personal details. Having a digital ID allows you to choose what information to share based on the service you're accessing.'
The digital ID will also be available on mobile phones, allowing holders to display only relevant information depending on the situation. Alternatively, someone may request the ID number and verify biometric data for authentication.
Any action involving the data on a person's digital ID will require their approval. Individuals will have the right to authorise which organisations or persons can access their data, and to object to any misuse.
Mukesha added, 'What we are currently doing is building the systems that will enable this process. Before launching, we want everyone to verify that the data we already have is accurate. Sometimes, people discover errorsâ€"such as a misspelt parent's nameâ€"when applying for services or documents. We want individuals to confirm their information before receiving their digital ID.'
Data verification activities are expected to begin in July 2025.
'We want to stay up to date by ensuring everyone is registered, including children and entire families. Remember, for anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give consent. We plan to make this process convenient by allowing family members to verify data together,' she said.
Mukesha also emphasised the need to reach communities directly in order to accelerate the process and ensure no one is left behind.
RISA's Director General, Innocent Muhizi, reiterated that the Digital National ID project is progressing steadily and is now approaching the critical stage of data integration.
RISA noted that its technology projects have now reached a phase of acceleration, following initial delays during the early stages of implementation.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/risa-boss-gives-update-on-rwanda-s-digital-id-rollout-for-newborns
