ADDIS ABABA, June 20 (AGCNewsNet) – African nations are accelerating their efforts to roll out digital identity systems, with more than a dozen aiming for full national coverage within the next three years. Ethiopia is leading the charge, setting an ambitious target of enrolling 90 million citizens into its digital ID program within two years, while countries like Namibia and São Tomé and Príncipe are preparing for large-scale rollouts of their own.

Ethiopia has already enrolled 16.9 million people – about 13% of its population – into its Fayda Number digital identity program. Officials aim to register 90 million by 2026, citing inclusion in essential services such as healthcare and agriculture as a major driver.

“In Ethiopia, the eligible population is everyone, including children,” said Yodahe Zemichael, Director of the National ID Program, speaking at the ID4Africa event held in Addis Ababa. “If 10–30% don’t have an ID, then they’re excluded from schemes like social programs or agricultural initiatives. That undermines the value of digital ID. So yes, 90% is the minimum.”

Zemichael added, “It’s not even about ambition; it’s a necessity. And 90 million out of 120 million isn’t even 90%, so we actually have to go beyond that.”

Launched under Digital Ethiopia 2025, the Fayda ID system is now integrated into 55 public and private institutions. Just three weeks ago, the government unveiled the FaydaPass Wallet, in partnership with Visa Inc. (NASDAQ: V), to drive financial inclusion across the East African nation.

Zambia has announced plans to model its own digital ID initiative on Ethiopia’s system, further underscoring the country’s leadership in the space.

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