Rwanda is actively rolling out its new Single Digital ID (SDID) system nationwide,a major initiative for digital transformation. The registration and data verification campaign is currently underway, and the first issuance of the new digital ID cards is expected to begin in June 2026.
Key Updates and Progress
- Nationwide Rollout: The National Identification Agency (NIDA) launched the digital ID activities in the Southern Province (Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara districts) in late October and early November 2025 as part of the initial phase. The national rollout is continuing progressively across other districts.
- Registration and Verification: The process involves citizens visiting designated centers to verify existing personal details and provide updated biometric data, including ten fingerprints and iris scans. This data collection phase started in mid-September 2025.
- Target Population: The digital ID is intended for all eligible individuals in Rwanda, including citizens living abroad, foreign residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. Children under five years old only require a photograph during initial registration.
- Implementation Timeline:
- August 2025: Official launch of the pre-enrollment platform for citizens to verify or correct their civil registration records.
- September-December 2025: Ongoing nationwide biometric data collection and verification in various districts.
- June 2026: Projected start date for the issuance of the new physical e-ID cards.
- System Features: The new system will feature enhanced security with advanced biometrics and will be available in three formats: a physical card, a digital version, and a unique ID number. It aims to unify identification across various sectors (government services, banking, healthcare, etc.) and provide users with control over their data sharing.
How to Participate and Access Information
- Verification/Correction: Citizens are encouraged to ensure their personal details are accurate in the National Identification Registry to avoid transferring errors to the new system. Corrections to civil status information require separate legal procedures.
- Online Services: The government’s online platform, Irembo, is available for various identification services, including national ID corrections and replacements.
- Required Documents: When visiting registration centers, residents need to bring their current national ID card, parents’ ID numbers, spouse’s ID number (if married), and other supporting documents.
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