Since 1st August 2025, Rwanda started a campaign and pre-enrollment, calling out Rwandans to check the information of their initial identity cards, and correct them for those whose identity cards have errors. This was done in allignment with the starting of issuing of digital identity card.
This digital ID card has different benefits to Rwandans as it is easier to use, and not to be lost. During a dialogue at RBA,Minister of Ict and Innovation Paula Ingabire talked about the benefits of this and how it will be taken “This digital ID is not necessarily to be carried out with,when you don’t have it with you ,you can use the code given to you ,or else use a soft copy of it that we will send to your telephone, or use the token while looking for any service. Those three different ways will help Rwandans or any other person looking for a service without carrying his/her ID card to access the service easily.” She mentioned.
The new identity card has the difference with the usual ID card as before accessing it several things will be done except from taking only a picture and information as it used to be done before
The Minister of ICT and Innovation kept on talking about this during a dialogue on RBA. “You used to only give fingerprints before getting an ID, in this digital ID, you will be giving fingerprints of 10 fingers, iris scan and facial image and use those already given information. “She said.
While only 16 years and above people were only allowed to take an identity card, with this digital ID card, everybody starting from a new baby born will get it. The government also added other people like people who don’t have any identity and foreigners.
This digital identity card will help Rwandans to access services easily and quickly as even without carrying it, by using your picture all your information can be displayed.
This program is supposed to be closed in May 2026, leaving every Rwandan having his/her own digital identity card. According to NIDA’s report of 2019,6.5 million which 90% of adults aged 16 and older had a national ID card, this time every Rwandan will have access to this digital identity card.