New research reveals that millions of Africans are being excluded from essential services as governments across the continent roll out biometric digital ID systems requiring citizens to provide personal and biometric data.
The study, conducted by the African Digital Rights Network and published by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), highlights how these systems often prerequisites for accessing services such as healthcare, education, social protection, and voting are deepening existing inequalities.
Marginalized populations, including people with disabilities and those who are illiterate, face significant hurdles in registering for digital IDs.
High costs associated with mobile data, phone access, or electricity for phone charging further restrict access. In addition, many citizens are hesitant to enrol due to concerns over data privacy and mistrust in government handling of sensitive information.
Dr. Tony Roberts, Research Fellow at IDS and co-editor of the report, said:
“Fundamental human rights, like education, healthcare, and the right to vote, are rapidly becoming conditional on enrolment in biometric digital-ID systems. While some citizens benefit from the convenience of digital IDs, millions are being locked out, particularly those with disabilities. Some individuals with visual impairments even have to pay for assistance just to access social protection payments via digital ID.”
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative and co-editor of the report, added:
“Many citizens have valid reasons to avoid biometric digital IDs, given past data breaches and instances of personal data being used to surveil and target critics or opposition figures. The rights and freedoms of Africans, especially those at risk of exclusion, must be central to any digital-ID initiatives.”
The report notes that implementing these systems across Africa is estimated to cost over US$1 billion, yet most lack adequate legal frameworks, data security measures, and accountability mechanisms.
Without these safeguards, citizens face heightened risks from data breaches, errors, or misuse of personal information.
The research also questions the rationale behind the top-down introduction of biometric ID systems, which citizens have neither requested nor universally supported. In some countries, public opposition has delayed registration efforts.
The authors recommend that governments ensure robust legislation is in place to protect citizen rights and privacy before rolling out digital-ID systems. They emphasize that systems should be designed with citizen participation to ensure equitable access and benefits.
Titled “Biometric Digital-ID in Africa: Progress and Challenges to Date – Ten Country Case Studies,” the report examines digital-ID initiatives in Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Each country study is authored by African researchers and coordinated by the African Digital Rights Network in partnership with Paradigm Initiative.
