Over 1.8 Million Registered in Rwanda’s e-Ndangamuntu Digital ID Project

More than 1.8 million people have already been photographed and registered under Rwanda’s national digital identity initiative, known as e-Ndangamuntu, according to the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.

Speaking before Senators on February 24, 2026, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, confirmed that 1,828,763 individuals have so far completed biometric enrollment as part of the ongoing rollout.

What Is e-Ndangamuntu?

The e-Ndangamuntu is a permanent, unique digital identity assigned to every Rwandan citizen from birth. It is designed to securely integrate interactions between individuals and both public and private institutions.

The government plans to register at least 15 million people, including Rwandan citizens, refugees, migrants and other residents. The project, which has attracted an investment exceeding $50 million, aims to modernize service delivery nationwide.

Districts Covered So Far

Registration has been completed in nine districts, including three pilot districts:

• Huye
• Nyanza
• Gisagara

The program has since expanded to:

• Kamonyi
• Muhanga
• Ruhango
• Nyarugenge
• Gasabo
• Kicukiro

The government aims to complete biometric data verification for all eligible citizens by the end of 2026. Issuance of digital IDs is expected to begin in August 2026 for those who have finalized registration.

How the Digital ID Will Be Used

The digital ID will be integrated into multiple services across different life stages.

For Children

At birth registration through the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, a child will automatically receive a digital ID upon parental confirmation. It will facilitate school enrollment, vaccination tracking and healthcare services.

For Youth

Teenagers will use the ID for academic records, national exams, university enrollment, driving licenses and first employment documentation.

For Adults

For adults, the digital ID will link to:

• Tax services
• Banking
• Healthcare
• Land services
• Marriage registration
• Voting
• Business registration
• Pension services

In healthcare, the system will integrate insurance information, medical records, prescriptions and vaccination history.

Privacy and Data Protection

Minister Ingabire emphasized that the system is not intended for daily surveillance. Personal data will be securely stored, and access will require explicit citizen consent.

Under Rwanda’s data protection law, any breach must be reported within 72 hours to the National Data Protection Office (NDPO). Citizens retain the right to request corrections or seek compensation in case of misuse.

The system is designed to share only minimal necessary data. For example, a bank may verify that a person is over 18 years old without accessing their full date of birth. Citizens can revoke data-sharing permissions at any time.

Three Forms of Digital Identification

The e-Ndangamuntu will be available in three formats:

1. Smart Card with QR Code – Contains essential information and allows service providers to verify identity securely.
2. Digital ID Number – Used after biometric authentication.
3. Token System – A secure substitute number for digital transactions based on biometric verification.

The government says this multi-option approach ensures that every citizen can choose the most convenient verification method.

Accessibility for All Citizens

For individuals without smartphones, alternative solutions such as physical cards and USSD-based systems will be available. District-level staff will assist those lacking digital literacy to ensure no one is excluded from accessing services.

Senators Welcome the Initiative

Members of the Senate praised the project for modernizing Rwanda’s service delivery and reducing reliance on multiple physical documents.

They highlighted the importance of expanding reliable, high-speed internet nationwide to fully support digital services.

A Step Toward Digital Transformation

Rwanda’s e-Ndangamuntu represents a major step toward digital governance, aiming to streamline service delivery, enhance security and improve citizen convenience.

With over 1.8 million already enrolled, the project is gaining significant momentum as the country moves closer to a fully integrated digital identity system.