Rwanda has taken inspiration from Ghana’s successful biometric national identification system by introducing its own “Rwandacard”, a digital ID designed to serve as a secure, multipurpose identification document for all citizens and residents.
Ghana is among the few nations to have fully implemented a nationwide biometric ID, which has become a base document for accessing various public and private services.
The East African nation’s National Identification Agency (NIDA) has begun a nationwide registration drive, with biometric data capture set to start in September. According to NIDA Director-General Josephine Mukesha, the full rollout of the Rwandacard is scheduled for 2026.
Reports suggest that many Rwandans have already welcomed the initiative, with large numbers beginning the registration process. Like the Ghana Card, the Rwandacard will be issued to every Rwandan citizen, refugee, and foreign resident in the country, providing them with a secure digital identity to simplify access to essential services.
