KIGALI, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has launched a new national identification (ID) system to provide every citizen with a single, unified digital identity.
The new electronic ID, which incorporates biometric data such as iris scans and fingerprints, will be issued in three formats: a physical card, a digital version, and a unique ID number.
The new system is designed to unify the identity of every Rwandan to facilitate seamless access to services such as banking, government programs, and mobile registration, among others, Josephine Mukesha, director general of the National Identification Agency, said at the official launch Thursday in Kigali, the country's capital.
"Today, we have officially started the Digital National Identity campaign. The digital identity system is one of the key components of digital public infrastructure, designed to enhance service delivery in both the government and private sectors. We encourage all citizens across the country to participate in this program," she said.
Biometric data collection for the new ID will begin in mid-September, and the issuance of the electronic ID cards will start next June, Mukesha said.
Speaking at the event, Yves Iradukunda, permanent secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, said the new ID will prioritize user privacy, allowing individuals to selectively share personal information based on the services they access. ■