Helping Transform Ethiopia to the Digital Age
129.6 Million
Population
97%
Population lacks legal or Digital ID
8 Million
Registrations as of August '24
Laxton is a key partner in helping Ethiopia overcome significant hurdles in transitioning to a more efficient digital identification (ID) system for its citizens. With a population of approximately 130 million, Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous country. Yet despite rapid economic growth, Ethiopia remains one of the poorest countries in Africa, with a per capita gross national income of $1,020.
The lack of a widespread digital ID has far-reaching consequences for citizens and the nation. Without a reliable ID programme, citizens are excluded from many essential services, including healthcare, education, financial, and social welfare programmes. Economic growth is also hampered by creating barriers to entrepreneurship, trade, and investment. Businesses may struggle to verify identities and conduct secure transactions, limiting their ability to expand.
The shortcomings of the Kebele ID Card
The main form of identification in Ethiopia is the community-issued Kebele identification card, distributed across over 18,000 locations. While it functions as a national ID for many public and private transactions, it has significant drawbacks. For one thing, the system relies on outdated paper records, making them prone to loss and destruction. It also lacks a central registry for every unique identity. Kebele IDs can also be duplicated and forged, creating authentication issues. These flaws highlighted the need for a robust, centralised digital ID system that provides secure and dependable identification for Ethiopians.
Improved ID coverage for all citizens
Recognising the deficiencies of their outdated system, the Ethiopian government embarked on an ambitious National Digital ID Programme (NIDP) in 2020. Designed to work alongside the Kebele program, the goal was to create a more reliable and centralised digital identification process. With less than 10% of children under five registered, the NIDP aims to provide comprehensive digital ID coverage, security, and inclusion for all citizens, even in rural areas where birth registration rates have been historically low. The National ID Programme aligns with the ten global principles of Identity for Development (ID4D), prioritising advanced data protection and exceptional service delivery.
Paving the Way for Ethiopia's Digital Future
The NIDP introduced the Fayda number, a unique 12-digit identification number based on the principle of "one person, one identity." This digital ID leverages biometric technology to ensure unique identification for all citizens. With access to a wide array of digital services nationwide, making Fayda a cornerstone of Ethiopia's digital transformation.
Now, Ethiopian citizens can finally enjoy enhanced secure identity verification and improved access to services like education, healthcare, and financial inclusion. It also modernises service delivery, enhances national security, and reduces data breach risks.
Digital ID systems have also been shown to drive economic growth significantly. For Ethiopia, the Fayda ID system could contribute between 3% and 13% of GDP by 2030. This growth is driven by increased financial inclusion, employment opportunities, agricultural productivity, and time savings for individuals and businesses. Fayda is paving the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for citizens throughout the country.
The integration with existing student records is a notable achievement within this process. Fayda successfully imported records of 600,000 students, exemplifying its flexibility and efficiency, streamlining the registration process, and reducing the need for manual data entry, saving valuable time and resources.
Dr. Ermias Yemanebirhan, the Ethiopian State Minister of Justice, registered for the National ID programme using Laxton technology.
Leveraging Laxton’s National ID Expertise
Laxton has been instrumental in the startup phase, helping Ethiopia's National Identity Program succeed in developing a secure and widespread electronic ID system. With Laxton's innovative registration equipment, up to 8 million Ethiopians were registered as of August 2024. Our goal is to have 90 million identity registrations by 2030.
“NIDP aims to create a secure, digital ID system that ensures every resident has access to vital services, fostering inclusion across the nation. For this, our registration systems need to be as equally adoptable and accessible ensuring our success"
National ID – Ethiopia
Revolutionary MOSIP-Compliant Registration Kits
We knew our identity registration kits needed to facilitate efficient registration and ease-of-use for citizens and operators. Designed to contain all the equipment necessary for fast and reliable ID registration, along with intelligently positioned components and premium parts, our kits are indispensable for large-scale projects like Fayda. Field feedback confirms the low failure rate of the equipment, proving their remarkable and long-term dependability.
“We are pleased with the progress that Laxton is making in achieving the ‘identity for all’ goal, and we value their ongoing contributions to strengthening the movement towards inclusive digital identity”
Nagarajan Santhanam
Chief Dissemination Officer – MOSIP
Rugged Design and Ultra-Mobile
From the dusty deserts to tropical forests and cool highlands, Laxton's registration equipment is designed to perform reliably in Ethiopia's diverse and harsh environments. With most ID registrations happening in remote areas, our equipment can withstand even the most challenging conditions. Packed in an IP67 super strong case, it can also safely fit accessories like the photo backdrop and solar panel, making it an exceptionally mobile solution.
Cost-Efficient and Super Durable
Laxton's registration equipment and accessories are engineered to withstand extensive use over many years. This long-term durability significantly reduces the Cost Per Registration (CPR), making Laxton's solution crucial for the success of Ethiopia's National Identity Program, which will continue through 2030.
No Internet, No Electricity, No Problem!
Laxton's groundbreaking ID Registration Kit can operate even without an internet connection. Thanks to our integrated battery management system and solar panels, registration can proceed without electricity or internet. The registration data is securely stored on the device and is ready to be uploaded to a central server once a secure internet connection is established. These exciting features ensure that every citizen can participate in the National ID program, regardless of location, and during internet or electrical outages.
Providing Expert Training, Technical Support, and Warranty Services
Laxton offers extensive support through design workshops, advanced training, and a dedicated support and warranty team. We ensure that local teams can operate and maintain registration systems efficiently, minimising downtime. Our experienced technical team provides on-ground support in Ethiopia to ensure smooth operations and maintenance.
Laxton's Role in Ethiopia's Digital ID Success
• MOSIP-compliant ID Registration Kits
• Solar panels and photo backdrop accessories
• Digital identity registration software
• In-country advanced training programmes
• Nationwide technical support and warranty services
