Safaricom Ethiopia Joins National Digital ID Project to Expand Fayda Registration Across Seven Regions
The partnership aims to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital identity rollout, improve access to services, and support the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
Safaricom Ethiopia Telecommunications PLC has entered into a joint venture agreement with the National ID Program of Ethiopia and Africom Technologies PLC to support the implementation of Ethiopia’s Fayda Digital ID Registration Project under Lots 3 and 4.
The collaboration represents an important milestone in Ethiopia’s digital transformation efforts, with the partners working together to expand national digital identity registration and bring more citizens into the country’s growing digital ecosystem.
Expanding Digital ID Access Across Seven Regions
Through the agreement, Safaricom Ethiopia and its partners will support citizen registration across seven regions, including:
• Afar
• Amhara
• Tigray
• Sidama
• South West Ethiopia
• Central Ethiopia
• South Ethiopia
The initiative is expected to increase access to Ethiopia’s national digital identity programme, helping citizens obtain verified digital identities that can support access to essential services and economic opportunities.
A reliable digital identity system is considered a key foundation for digital economies, enabling easier access to government services, financial products, healthcare, education platforms, and other digital solutions.
Supporting Digital Inclusion and Economic Growth
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wim Vanhelleputte highlighted the importance of the project in advancing digital inclusion and strengthening Ethiopia’s digital economy.
He noted that expanding digital identity registration will help improve access to public and private services while creating stronger foundations for a modern, connected society.
The project also reflects Safaricom Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that promote technology adoption, connectivity, and inclusive digital development.
Creating Employment Opportunities
Beyond improving access to digital identity services, the registration programme is expected to create employment opportunities during the nationwide rollout.
Thousands of Ethiopians are expected to participate in different aspects of the registration process, supporting local economic activity while helping communities gain access to digital identity services.
Strengthening Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation Vision
According to Yodahe Zemichael, the Fayda Digital ID programme plays a central role in Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia strategy.
The national digital identity initiative is designed to:
• Improve financial inclusion
• Enhance government service delivery
• Strengthen transparency and governance
• Support economic participation
• Create opportunities within the digital economy
By providing citizens with secure digital identities, Ethiopia aims to build a more efficient and inclusive digital society.
Safaricom Ethiopia’s Role in Digital Development
Safaricom Ethiopia said the partnership demonstrates its commitment to using its nationwide network, technology expertise, and operational capabilities to support initiatives that improve digital access.
The company emphasized that the Fayda Digital ID registration project aligns with Ethiopia’s goal of creating a more connected economy where citizens can benefit from digital services and emerging technology opportunities.
As Ethiopia continues investing in digital infrastructure and innovation, the expansion of national digital identity services is expected to play an important role in shaping the country’s digital future.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Fayda Digital ID programme?
The Fayda Digital ID programme is Ethiopia’s national digital identity initiative designed to provide citizens with a secure and verifiable digital identity that can be used to access various services.
2. Why is Safaricom Ethiopia supporting the digital ID project?
Safaricom Ethiopia is supporting the initiative as part of its commitment to advancing digital inclusion, improving connectivity, and contributing to Ethiopia’s digital transformation goals.
3. Which regions will benefit from the registration project?
The project will support digital ID registration across Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Sidama, South West Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia, and South Ethiopia.
4. How will digital identity benefit Ethiopian citizens?
Digital identity can make it easier for citizens to access government services, financial services, healthcare, education platforms, and other digital solutions.
5. How does digital ID support financial inclusion?
A verified digital identity can help individuals access banking services, mobile financial solutions, and other financial products that may require identity verification.
6. Will the project create jobs in Ethiopia?
Yes. The nationwide registration process is expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of Ethiopians involved in supporting the rollout.
7. What is the importance of digital identity in a modern economy?
Digital identity helps governments and businesses provide more efficient services, reduce barriers to access, improve security, and support participation in the digital economy.
8. How does this project support Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia strategy?
The initiative supports Digital Ethiopia by expanding digital access, strengthening public service delivery, encouraging innovation, and building the infrastructure needed for a digitally enabled economy.
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