Ethiopia's digital identification system or Fayda is set to serve as a blueprint for Zambia's upcoming national digital ID initiative. The move by Zambia underscores Ethiopia's success in deploying local technology for inclusive growth and signals its emerging prominence in Africa's digital landscape.
During remarks at the Africa Innovation Conference in Addis Ababa, Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator for Smart Zambia, lauded Ethiopia's approach. "We are motivated to duplicate the successes Ethiopia has realized through its internal capacities," Chinyama remarked, highlighting Zambia's strategic shift toward solutions developed within the country to enhance control and sustainability.
The Fayda system in Ethiopia has been pivotal in boosting financial and social inclusion. Since its introduction, it has registered more than 12 million individuals, with a target of 90 million. The system has been particularly impactful in providing legal identification to vulnerable populations such as women, refugees, and internally displaced persons, thereby unlocking access to essential services like banking, health, and education.
Parallel digital initiatives are already underway in Zambia. The Ministry of Education's Learning Management Platform, built locally, is facilitating fair access to educational content. Additionally, Smart Zambia has launched a program to install solar power at all local councils, ensuring reliable digital access for public services nationwide.
Dr. Benson Banda, Director at the National Science Centre (Ministry of Education), confirmed that over 5,000 teachers in 84 districts are actively using the Learning Management Platform, noting its mobile-friendly design as critical for the new curriculum rollout.
Concluding on diplomatic ties and digital progress, Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Rose Sakala, applauded Ethiopia's leadership in digital governance and Smart Zambia's initiatives to bolster cybersecurity in public sectors, EBR reported.