The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has announced the start of a nationwide identity verification and photo registration campaign for Rwanda’s upcoming electronic national ID, scheduled to begin on October 28, 2025.
The initial phase of the exercise will take place in the districts of Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara, where citizens’ information will be verified, and updated photos will be captured for the new digital ID (e-ndangamuntu).
NIDA staff members previously shared information about the digital ID during the Kigali Trade Fair in August, engaging with citizens about the upcoming rollout.
According to NIDA, individuals taking part in the verification process will need to present key documents, including their national ID, parents’ ID numbers (if available), the ID number of a spouse for married individuals, a personal identification number, and an application number for those who have not yet received their national ID.
The agency further stated that children under 16 years must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians during the process.
Annette Umugwaneza, NIDA’s Communications Officer, told The New Times that the verification exercise will run from October 28 to November 23, 2025, across the three pilot districts before being extended nationwide.
“The choice of Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara was based on favorable weather conditions that will allow smooth field operations during the rainy season,” Umugwaneza explained.
She also revealed that 1,144 field officers will be deployed in the pilot phase, supported by registration centers equipped with biometric kits and digital systems capable of instant data verification.
Mobile units and multilingual service desks will also reach people in remote and underserved areas to ensure inclusivity.
The new digital ID will cover all Rwandans, including newborns and children under five groups often excluded from traditional ID systems.
It will feature advanced biometric elements such as iris scans and full fingerprinting to enhance accuracy, strengthen data security, and minimize identity fraud across public and private sectors.
The electronic ID aims to serve as a single verified identity for all citizens, simplifying access to essential services like banking, SIM card registration, health insurance, and government programs.
To make the initiative possible, the government has allocated Rwf12.2 billion in the 2025/2026 budget, part of the Rwf54.2 billion earmarked for the broader digital identification and authentication program.
As the rollout begins in the Southern Province, NIDA is urging citizens to organize their required documents ahead of time to ensure smooth participation and prevent delays during registration.
