The National Identification Agency (NIDA) on Thursday, August 7, officially launched a nationwide awareness campaign for the upcoming digital ID. The launch took place at Rwanda International Trade Fair (Expo 2025), which runs until August 17 at the Gikondo expo grounds in Kigali. The awareness campaign aims to educate the public on the new system and the enrolment process. ALSO READ: Here is what to expect as government readies to pilot new digital IDs In partnership with the national online government services platform, Irembo, NIDA is also offering various ID-related services at the expo, including photo updates for national ID cards, replacement of lost or damaged IDs, and correction of errors on existing cards. The services are designed to simplify, expedite, and enhance accessibility to ID management for citizens, the agency stated. NIDA Director General Josephine Mukesha said the launch marks the beginning of a broader effort, as nationwide pre-enrolment is set to start later this month at cell level across the country. Biometric data collection, including fingerprints and iris scans, will begin in mid-September, while the digital ID issuance is planned for June 2026. “We call on all citizens to get ready and embrace the new digital ID,” she said. Also read: Rwanda to issue digital IDs in three years What is collected during pre-enrolment? Data collected during the pre-enrolment phase, which features registration, are full name of a digital ID applicant, include date and place of birth, type of nationality, civil status, parents’ names and ID numbers (if applicable), spouse’s name and ID number (if applicable), current residential address, phone number and email (if available). To pre-enrol, people must present their current national ID and the ID numbers of their parents and/or spouse. They will also confirm their marital status, residence, and contact details. ALSO READ: What will happen to your current national ID as digital ones take over Mukesha noted that the digital ID will be issued from birth and is available to Rwandan nationals, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants residing in Rwanda. She underscored that the expo event served as a launch and awareness opportunity. “In the coming days, we are training operators who will assist citizens with pre-enrollment,” she said, adding that the service will also be accessible via Irembo. Mukesha explained that digital identity comes with several steps, beginning with pre-enrolment, which allows individuals to verify their personal information and give consent. “As we move toward a digital identity system, consent becomes essential. Anytime someone wants to access your information, you will need to approve it. You can also revoke access if you choose,” she said. Privacy and convenience benefits Yves Iradukunda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, highlighted that the digital ID enhances personal data protection. “This system gives individuals control over their data—who can access it, when, and for what purpose. It empowers users and strengthens privacy,” he said. He added that, as of now, many services still require a physical ID card, but the new digital system will eliminate that need by enabling access to services digitally, without presenting a card, filling forms, or speaking with service agents. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Bob Gakire, also expressed support for the initiative, stressing that the digital ID will reduce the risks associated with physical IDs. “The digital ID cannot be lost or damaged. It ensures better security and accessibility, reducing unnecessary movements and costs linked to accessing services,” he said, encouraging government institutions to support and promote the initiative for its effective implementation. Dufurahi Zaninka, a resident of Kicukiro District, welcomed the move, calling it a great convenience. “I once lost my ID and it took me about two months and Rwf6,500 to replace it. With the digital ID, I won’t need to carry a card – my information will be accessible in the system, anytime I need a service,” she said. Bernard Munyabihogo, a resident of Musanze District, said the new system helps correct errors and missing information from the current ID system, and eases citizens’ access to services. “There were times you couldn’t get services just because you forgot your ID. With the digital one, that concern is gone. It’s a positive step forward,” he said. The digital identification (ID) is part of a broader $200 million Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project, co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Its development objective is to increase access to broadband and selected digital public services and strengthen the digital innovation ecosystem. It runs from 2022 through 2026. Today marks a major milestone in building Rwanda’s digital public infrastructure. The Digital ID is a foundational tool that will enable every citizen to securely access services, control their own information, and choose how and with whom to share it. It’s fast, secure, and paperless. I personally completed my pre-enrolment in under two minutes using facial recognition. This is digital transformation made real for every Rwandan, Antoine Sebera, CEO, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), said.
