Ethiopia’s Digital Identity System, ‘Fayda,’ Becomes Foundational Infrastructure
Ethiopia’s nationwide digital identity system, “Fayda,” has emerged as a foundational element of the country’s infrastructure, as highlighted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the opening of the ID4Africa 2024 Annual General Meeting. Launched five years ago as part of the “Digital Ethiopia 2025” initiative, Fayda aims to provide every Ethiopian resident with a secure and universally recognized digital identity, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Fayda is more than just an identity card; it is a unique identification number designed to verify individual identities while prioritizing user privacy through limited data sharing and a responsible governance framework. He noted that Fayda is now essential for connecting citizens to government services, representing a significant step toward a digitally empowered and inclusive society.
As Ethiopia advances with this initiative, its success will be closely monitored by other nations exploring similar digital identity programs.
