The ID4Africa 2025 Annual Conference opened today in Addis Ababa, bringing together over 2,000 delegates from 100 countries to discuss the future of digital identity systems across the continent. At the opening session, Yodahe Zemikael, Director General of Ethiopia’s National ID Program, announced that 15 million Ethiopians have already benefitted from the country’s Fayida digital ID system, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s digital transformation journey.

Speaking at the high-level forum, Yodahe stressed that the programme’s success is not just measured by numbers but by the real-life improvements in service delivery, noting that Fayida has reduced processing times by up to 60% in institutions where it is active. He credited the achievement to political will, homegrown digital infrastructure, skilled professionals, and strong institutional partnerships.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, delivering a keynote address, described digital ID as an essential enabler of inclusive governance and economic development:

“Digital ID has evolved from a promising innovation into a foundational pillar of digital transformation… It is no longer optional but essential infrastructure connecting people to services, communities to institutions, and governments to the aspirations of their citizens.”

He acknowledged past fragmentation in Ethiopia’s ID system, which excluded millions, and said the new unified approach aims to bridge that gap and foster inclusive access to essential services.

Running over three days, the conference features expert workshops and symposia focused on digital identity innovations from 35 African countries, placing Ethiopia at the forefront of the continent’s tech-driven transformation.