Rwanda’s new digital identification registration has officially begun in Kigali, marking a major step in the nationwide rollout of the system. The exercise, led by the National Identification Agency (NIDA), will see residents register and have their biometric details captured as part of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving access to services and identity management.
Rwanda’s digital identification programme has now enrolled more than 1.49 million people, with pre-enrolment figures surpassing 1.69 million, as registration and photography continue across the country.
The initiative, which kicked off in the Southern Province on October 28 last year, is scheduled to begin in Kigali on February 7, according to the National Identification Agency (NIDA).
Prior to reaching the capital, the exercise had already been carried out in the districts of Huye, Gisagara, Nyanza, Muhanga, Ruhango and Kamonyi.
Explaining the difference between pre-enrolment and full enrolment numbers, NIDA Director General Josephine Mukesha said that minors under the age of 16 cannot be fully enrolled without the approval of their parents or legal guardians.
“Until we obtain that consent, we cannot enrol them,” she said.
The City of Kigali spokesperson, Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, noted that several registration locations have been designated for the first week of the exercise, with more sites expected to be announced in the second week. She added that the registration and photography process in the city is projected to run for seven weeks.
In Nyarugenge District, residents of Nyakabanda Sector can access registration services at Nyakabanda Sector Office, Rwanda Institute for Cooperative, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), Nyabugingo Church, APACE (Groupe Scolaire du Mont Kigali)—which is expected to start operations on Sunday—and the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Kanyange Village.
Rwezamenyo Sector has multiple registration points, including Rwezamenyo Sector Office, Kabuguru I and Kabuguru II cell offices, St. Joseph Integrated Polytechnic, CEFOTRAR hall, New Hope Institute hall, Intwari/Matimba Village, St. Joseph Secondary School, and Heart Land.
In Gitega Sector, residents can register at Gitega Sector Office, Kora Cell Office, Mpazi Market and Akabeza Cell Office.
Kicukiro District has also opened several sites. In Kagarama Sector, registration is being conducted at the cell offices of Kagarama, Kanserege, Muyange and Rukatsa. Meanwhile, Kicukiro Sector residents can register at Kicukiro Sector Office as well as at the cell offices of Kagina, Ngoma and Gasharu.
In Niboye Sector, registration is taking place at Niboye Sector Office, EP Nyakabanda Primary School, and the cell offices of Niboye, Nyakabanda and Gatare.
Gasabo District has designated multiple registration centres as well. In Kimihurura Sector, services are available at Kamukina, Kimihurura and Rugando cell offices, along with Kimihurura Sector Office, which also serves foreign nationals. In Kacyiru Sector, registration points include Kacyiru Sector Office, the cell offices of Kamutwa, Kibaza and Kamatamu, SOS Kacyiru establishment, ADEPR Kamutwa, ADEPR Kinamba, Amahoro Village Office, ADEPR Kabagari, and an area known as Diplomate.
Eligibility and required documents
According to NIDA, the digital ID registration exercise is open to all Rwandan citizens, legally resident foreign nationals, refugees, migrants and stateless persons.
Rwandan citizens must present their current physical national identity card and, where applicable, provide the national ID numbers of their parents and spouse. Children are required to present birth certificates.
Foreign nationals are expected to provide a valid passport along with a valid residence permit.
Migrants and stateless persons must submit a letter certified by the Executive Secretary of the cell administration and endorsed by three witnesses, confirming their residency in Rwanda and their status.
Refugees living in camps will be registered within the camps, while those residing in urban areas will complete registration at their respective sector or cell offices. Refugees are required to present a refugee ID, original proof of registration, an application number for those who have not yet received a refugee ID, or a birth certificate or proof of registration.
Although registration and photography are still underway, NIDA indicated that issuance of the digital ID is expected to start by June this year, in line with Rwanda’s wider digital transformation agenda.
