The City of Kigali today witnessed the official launch of Rwanda’s Digital National ID registration campaign, a flagship initiative under the government’s digital transformation agenda designed to modernize identity systems and simplify access to public and private services.  The National Identification Agency (NIDA), mandated to implement the country’s Single Digital Identification System (SDIS), opened pre‑enrollment and enrollment centers in all three districts of Kigali - Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge, bringing services closer to residents at sector and cell levels. Officials say the

The City of Kigali today witnessed the official launch of Rwanda’s Digital National ID registration campaign, a flagship initiative under the government’s digital transformation agenda designed to modernize identity systems and simplify access to public and private services. 

The National Identification Agency (NIDA), mandated to implement the country’s Single Digital Identification System (SDIS), opened pre‑enrollment and enrollment centers in all three districts of Kigali - Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge, bringing services closer to residents at sector and cell levels. Officials say the Digital ID represents a transformative shift from traditional paper and plastic identity cards to a secure, biometric‑linked digital identity that can be used physically and virtually across services such as banking, healthcare, government programs, mobile SIM registration, and online authentication. “

This digital identity system is one of the key components of Rwanda’s digital public infrastructure

,” Josephine Mukesha, Director General of NIDA, said at the launch event in Kigali Last year. “We encourage all citizens across the country to participate in this program and prepare for a future where identity is secure, convenient, and universally recognized.”

In 2025, NIDA Director General Josephine Mukesha launched the Digital ID Registration initiative.

The Digital ID will be issued in three formats, a physical card, a virtual digital version, and a unique lifelong authentication number, enabling users to authenticate themselves without relying solely on traditional documents. Officials say the system will grant individuals greater control over their personal data. “

This digital ID doesn’t get lost and it’s not necessary that you walk with it,

” Mukesha explained during last year rollout preparations. “

It gives us the right to control what information to share and when, and even to stop sharing if necessary

.” The Kigali launch follows earlier rollout phases in the Southern Province, where pre‑enrollment activities began in districts including Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara late last year, with residents already completing data verification and biometric captures. The system’s biometric features, including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition, are expected to improve accuracy, eliminate duplicate identities, and strengthen security across Rwanda’s digital ecosystem. The government has also embarked on a broad awareness campaign, offering registration services alongside other ID‑related services such as photo updates and card replacements. Authorities estimate that the first batch of Digital IDs will be issued starting in mid‑2026, with full nationwide adoption to follow. Residents who have already participated in pre‑enrollment expressed optimism about the convenience of the new system.

“I once lost my ID and it took months and money to replace it,

” said Dufurahi Zaninka, a Kigali resident. “

With this digital ID, I won’t need to carry a card, my information will be accessible digitally whenever I need a service

.” As registration activities continue across Kigali and beyond, authorities are urging citizens, refugees, and residents to engage with the process early, ensuring that all communities benefit from this landmark step into Rwanda’s digital future.

A little more informed. A little more connected.