Rwanda NIDA: Over 8 Million Registered for Digital ID

• The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has surpassed 8 million registered individuals in its digital ID registration exercise.
• The deadline for phasing out physical ID cards is set for June 2027, and eligible foreign residents must register for a Digital ID by then.
• More than 7 million people have already been photographed as part of the exercise.
• NIDA is working with the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration to facilitate registration for non-Rwandans, including those living in refugee camps.

The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has made significant progress in its digital ID registration exercise, surpassing 8 million registered individuals. The registration process, which began in October 2025, initially targeted Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara districts in Southern Province before expanding nationwide. As of Monday, more than 7 million people had already been photographed as part of the exercise. Residents who missed the initial registration period took advantage of services offered at the Expo Grounds in Gikondo, with long queues forming for those checking and completing their identity information through Irembo and having their photographs taken.

The deadline for phasing out physical ID cards is set for June 2027. To avoid disruptions in services, eligible foreign residents must register for a Digital ID by then. NIDA Director General Josephine Mukesha emphasized the importance of completing the registration process, citing challenges such as incomplete identity information and errors in existing records. Parents who have not registered their children can seek help from sector offices or use Irembo to check and correct information. The agency is working with the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration to facilitate registration for non-Rwandans, including those living in refugee camps.

The Digital ID registration exercise has far-reaching implications for Rwanda's identity verification system. With over 8 million registered individuals, the country is taking a significant step towards a more efficient and secure means of authentication. The introduction of biometric identification will provide citizens with greater control over their personal data. Lawyers advising clients on compliance with Rwanda's digital ID requirements should note that the deadline for phasing out physical ID cards is June 2027, and eligible foreign residents must register for a Digital ID by then to avoid disruptions in services.

Lawyers advising clients on compliance with Rwanda's digital ID requirements should note that the deadline for phasing out physical ID cards is June 2027, and eligible foreign residents must register for a Digital ID by then to avoid disruptions in services.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Rwanda