Rwanda launches Digital National ID using the Ghana Card framework

Rwanda has launched its own national biometric identification system, emulating Ghana’s successful framework.

Ghana became one of the few countries in the world to successfully implement the nationwide digital identification system for its citizens and residents. The ‘Ghana Card’ as it is widely called, also serves other purposes like a base document for multiple identification.

The East African Nation hopes to join these countries by launching the National Identification Agency (NIDA) with plans underway for a nationwide registration exercise.

NIDA Director-General, Josephine Mukesha, announced that while the registration exercise begins soon, biometric capture of citizens is expected to commence later in September. Rollout of the new national identification cards will be done in 2026.

According to reports, many Rwandans have welcomed the move, and several others are already registering.

Just like the GhanaCard, the RwandanCard will give Rwandan citizens, refugees and foreign residents access to a secure biometric digital identity, enabling easy facilitation to a wide range of both public and sector services.