Addis Ababa, Ethiopia May 21/ 2025 The ID4Africa 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) officially commenced in Addis Ababa. bringing together African leaders, global experts, and digital identity stakeholders under the theme “Digital Identity at Scale: Prioritizing Use, Accelerating Impact.”
The event co-hosted by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister’s Office and the Ethiopian National ID Program (NIDP) was inaugurated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali alongside high-ranking political and legal officials. With over 2,300 delegates from nearly every African nation and beyond this year’s AGM stands as the largest yet reflecting the continent’s growing commitment to digital transformation and identity inclusion.
Africa’s Digital Identity Imperative
Dr. Joseph Atick, Executive Chairman of ID4Africa highlighted the urgent need for Africa to embrace a digital-first mindset amid global geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.
“Unilateral self serving agendas particularly from the global North are increasingly fueling tensions”.
Atick stated emphasizing that Africa must “draw strength from within” to navigate these complexities. He praised the African Union’s digital transformation strategy as a key framework for fostering homegrown expertise and collaboration.
With the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)including SDG 16.9 which aims to provide legal identity for all fast approaching Atick warned that current projections suggest Africa will only achieve 60% birth registration by 2030 and 82% by 2063 far below the target. Accelerated action is critical to closing this gap.
Ethiopia’s Leadership in Digital ID
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed showcased Ethiopia’s groundbreaking Fayda digital ID system a cornerstone of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy. With over 15 million citizens already enrolled and a target of 90 million Fayda is bridging gaps in financial inclusion healthcare and education particularly for women, youth, and displaced communities. The system has already facilitated 9.6 trillion birr in digital transactions, demonstrating its transformative economic impact.
Director of Ethiopia’s National ID Program Yodahe Arayaselassie
reinforced the country’s commitment to scaling digital identity solutions and serving as a model for other African nations.
Key Challenges & Opportunities
The AGM also addressed pressing challenges in Africa’s digital evolution:
Cybersecurity Threats: Atick warned of rising attacks on digital public infrastructure, including identity systems by criminal networks and state actors.
AI’s Double-Edged Sword: While AI promises significant GDP growth it risks widening the digital divide if not implemented inclusively.
Funding Constraints: With strained public finances public-private partnerships (PPPs) and alternative financing models are essential to sustain progress.
Expanding Africa’s Digital Identity Ecosystem
This year’s AGM introduced several new initiatives:
ID Day 2025 (September 16) will be celebrated under the theme “My Identity, My Umbrella,” positioning digital ID as a protective tool for citizens.
The Identity Ecosystem Self-Evaluation Framework (IESEF) completed by 38 of 48 member states has guided program enhancements to better address national needs.
A record 100% increase in African speakers and 60% more represented countries underscores the movement’s commitment to local leadership.
Why Ethiopia Was Chosen as Host
Ethiopia secured the 2025 AGM after a competitive selection process involving six candidate nations. The decision reflects the country’s rapid advancements in digital ID its strategic role in African diplomacy and its commitment to inclusive development.
A Call for African Resilience
As the continent races toward 2030’s SDG targets, ID4Africa’s 2025 AGM serves as a pivotal platform for collaboration innovation and homegrown solutions. With Ethiopia leading by example the message is clear: Africa’s digital future must be built by Africans for Africans.
The AGM continues through the week featuring expanded parallel sessions on legal frameworks ,cybersecurity, and emerging technologies ensuring no critical topic is left unexplored in the quest for universal digital identity.
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
