ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Digital IDs are secure electronic credentials that verify identity using biometrics and encrypted data, unlocking access to banking, healthcare, and government services. For years, Zambia struggled to build a working system, until now.

Speaking at the ID4Africa Conference on May 13th, SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama credited the World Bank’s timely support for the country’s recent breakthrough. “The identity story in Zambia started a long time ago, but those interventions never came to full fruition until recently,” he said.

Mr Chinyama stressed that a truly useful digital ID requires an inclusive ecosystem. Zambia has now united all key institutions, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Data Protection Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Bank of Zambia, under a single governance structure. “Now we have to bring everybody together,” he added.

As the four-day conference closed on May 15th under the theme “From DPI to Digital Public Ecosystems,” Zambia’s multi-sectoral delegation shared best practices on financial inclusion, agricultural transformation, and data protection.

Speaking after the event on May 16th, mr Chinyama outlined three key takeaways:
1. Capacity building – Government institutions must develop internal expertise to manage digital ID systems.
2. Legal framework – Clear rules are needed on how ID data is shared and used for citizen authentication.
3. Institutional authority – The responsible agency must be properly positioned, with Cabinet Office backing, to drive and sustain the initiative.

“Zambia remains committed to leveraging digital identity as a foundation for sustainable development and secure public service delivery,” the government affirmed.

The conference may be over, but for Zambia, the real work has just begun.
ENDS/