Rwanda has emulated Ghana's successful national biometric identification system by launching its own “Rwandacard” – a national biometric identification system for the East African nation.

Ghana is one of the few countries in the world to have successfully implemented a nationwide digital identification system for all citizens and residents, which also serves as a base document for multiple identification purposes.

Rwanda now intends to join the fray, and its National Identification Agency (NIDA) has launched a nationwide registration exercise.

Biometric capture of citizens, however, is expected to commence in September, NIDA Director-General Josephine Mukesha said, ahead of the rollout of the new national digital ID, scheduled for 2026.

Reports indicate that many Rwandans have embraced the move and have already begun registering for the biometric national card.

Like the Ghana Card, the initiative aims to provide every Rwandan citizen, refugee, and foreign resident in Rwanda with a secure biometric digital identity, which will facilitate access to a wide range of public and private sector services.