Rwanda Launches Nationwide Awareness Campaign for Digital ID Rollout
Kigali, The Gulf Observer: The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign for the upcoming digital identification (ID) system, marking a significant step in Rwanda’s digital transformation.
The campaign was inaugurated on Thursday, August 7, at the Rwanda International Trade Fair (Expo 2025) in Kigali and will run until August 17. In partnership with the Irembo online services platform, NIDA is offering on-site ID-related services, including photo updates, replacements for lost or damaged cards, and correction of existing errors.
Nationwide pre-enrolment for the new digital ID will begin later this month at cell level, with biometric data collection — including fingerprints and iris scans — scheduled for mid-September. The first digital IDs are expected to be issued in June 2026.
NIDA Director General Josephine Mukesha emphasized that the system will be available to Rwandan nationals, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. She noted that pre-enrolment will require an existing national ID, parents’ or spouse’s ID numbers, and confirmation of marital status, residence, and contact details.
Officials highlighted that the digital ID will enhance privacy, security, and convenience by giving individuals control over their personal data and reducing dependence on physical ID cards.
The initiative is part of the $200 million Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project, co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which runs through 2026 to expand broadband access, digital services, and innovation.
