NIDA Launches New Process for Biometric Identity Cards
The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has officially launched a new program aimed at preparing for the issuance of biometric identity cards, with the goal of improving service quality, better identifying citizens, and strengthening an economy based on reliable evidence.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, during the 28th International Exhibition held in Kigali, NIDA began the phase of validating citizens’ identity data using a new approach. Each person will be required to confirm their information before receiving a new, technologically advanced identity card.
Ms. Josephine Mukesha, the Director General of NIDA, stated that this initiative will be rolled out nationwide, including sectors and cells, to reach all beneficiaries.
She said:
“We started here at the exhibition, but our goal is to cover the entire country. We are launching training for trainers to ensure quality service delivery everywhere.”
This new identity card will use modern technology and will be available in several formats: physical card, digital storage on computers or smartphones via a QR code, and the possibility of fast electronic transmission.
A major change is that the card will no longer be issued only to people aged 16 and above as before. Newborns will also undergo biometric data capture to have comprehensive information from birth.
The data contained in this new identity card will include:
- Photo of the eyes
- Fingerprints of all ten fingers
- Iris image
- Names and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Phone numbers and email addresses for those who have them
Through this program, NIDA also plans to reach groups that were previously ineligible for the traditional identity card, including migrants, stateless persons, and foreigners residing temporarily in the country (less than six months).
The entire project is expected to be completed within three years, with an investment exceeding 40 billion Rwandan francs, mainly funded by the World Bank.
In early July, the Rwanda Information and Communication Technology Agency (RISA) announced that preparations for the biometric identity card were well advanced, and full collection of identity data would begin within the first three months.
This biometric identity card will help accelerate service delivery, strengthen internal security, combat fraud, and promote economic development based on reliable citizen data.
