Ethiopia pioneers inclusive digital ID system for refugees

In a landmark initiative, the Ethiopian government, in collaboration with the National ID Program and the UN Refugee Agency, has launched a digital identification system for refugees and asylum seekers. This pioneering project, designed to integrate refugees into national systems, is currently being piloted in Addis Ababa, where refugees are being issued digital ID cards featuring a unique “Fayda” identification number.

The innovative use of biometric technology ensures the prevention of double registration and duplication of IDs, marking a significant step forward in the inclusion of refugees in Ethiopia’s national frameworks. Teyiba Hassen, Director General of Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service, hailed the initiative as a substantial move towards integrating refugees into national systems and providing them with access to government services.

The issuance of these digital IDs will empower refugees with access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial services, including the ability to open bank accounts and register businesses. Yodahe Zemichael, Executive Director at the National ID Program, emphasized that this initiative goes beyond mere identification; it acts as a gateway to dignity, legal recognition, and community integration.

This project, known as the “PING project” (PRIMES Interoperability Gateway), is a part of the World Bank’s Identification for Development (ID4D) project aimed at enhancing inclusivity and governance of national ID systems. It signifies a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s commitment, announced during the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, to integrate over 814,000 refugees into the National ID system.

Andrew Mbogori, UNHCR’s Representative in Ethiopia, expressed optimism that Ethiopia’s strides would inspire other countries across Africa. The phased roll-out of the Fayda ID system aims to cover the 77,000 refugees in Addis Ababa before extending to nearly 1 million refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan residing in Ethiopia, Africa’s third-largest refugee-hosting country.

This ground-breaking initiative underscores Ethiopia’s role as a leader in refugee inclusion, setting a precedent for leveraging digital technology to support long-term solutions for refugees on the global stage.