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Ethiopia Celebrates International Identity Day with a Focus on Inclusive Digital Identity Systems
Addis Ababa, September 16, 2024 – Ethiopia joined the global celebration of International Identity Day today, marking the occasion with a special focus on the theme “Celebrating the Right to Be Visible.” The National ID Program released a statement acknowledging the importance of inclusive identity systems in empowering individuals and communities.
In a press release, the National ID Program announced a series of events to commemorate the 2024 International Identity Day, which is observed globally on September 16. The theme for this year underscores the critical role of having a robust and verifiable proof of identity as a fundamental human right in today’s digital era.
The celebrations in Ethiopia included a High Level Webinar Series in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and Government Communications Service. Experts from global organizations like ID4Africa and the World Bank, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and National Bank of Ethiopia, shared insights on the transformation of governance through digitization.
As part of the festivities, digital screens were set up in major city locations to promote Ethiopia’s flagship project, Fayda Digital ID, which has issued digital IDs to nearly 10 million residents nationwide. The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive digital identity systems in improving governance, enhancing security, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring access to essential services.
The Identity Day (ID Day) Campaign aims to establish September 16 as a globally recognized day to highlight the critical need for official identification. With approximately 850 million people worldwide lacking any form of official identification, the campaign underscores the urgent need for full inclusion. In Ethiopia, 40% of the population faces similar challenges, highlighting the importance of secure and accessible ID systems.
By celebrating ID Day, Ethiopia is reaffirming its commitment to empowering citizens through digital identity, improving access to essential services, and driving economic growth. The country’s advancements in digital identity, particularly through projects like the Fayda ID, position Ethiopia as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
