The Senate Debate Over Rwanda’s Rwf100bn Digital ID Project

On February 24, 2026, Rwanda’s Senate met to discuss the progress of the country’s digital national ID system, a major government project aimed at modernising how people prove their identity.

The meeting heard updates from Paula Ingabire, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, who explained how the system is being rolled out and responded to questions from senators.

What is the digital national ID?

The digital national ID is part of Rwanda’s wider plan to use technology to improve public services. The system is designed to gradually replace physical ID cards with a digital version that can be used both online and in person.

Instead of relying only on a plastic card, people will be able to confirm their identity using biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. The ID can also be verified through QR codes or secure digital platforms.

According to the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), the goal is to make access to services faster, safer, and more convenient.

Cost and value concerns

During the session, senators asked whether the new system is necessary, especially since many citizens already have physical ID cards.

One of the main concerns raised was the cost. The project started in 2023 and is expected to cost more than Rwf100 billion (about USD 70 million) when fully completed. About two-thirds of the funding comes from the World Bank.

Senators wanted to know how the government plans to recover this investment and what long-term benefits citizens will gain.

Government response

Minister Ingabire explained that the digital ID will bring all identity records into one secure system. This will include not only citizens, but also foreign residents, refugees, migrants, and stateless people living in Rwanda.

She told the Senate that the system will help reduce identity fraud, improve data accuracy, and make it easier for people to access services such as healthcare, banking, education, and government programs.

“The digital ID is about secure and dignified access to services,” she said.

Cybersecurity and access issues

Some senators expressed concern about cybersecurity, warning that a central database could be risky if not well protected.

Others pointed out that internet costs, poor connectivity in rural areas, and low digital literacy could prevent some people from using the system easily.

In response, the minister assured lawmakers that data protection and security are built into the project from the start. She also said the government is carrying out community-level outreach to help people understand and register for the digital ID.

Registration progress

According to the National Identification Agency (NIDA), more than 1.5 million people have already completed some stages of registration. Another 1.6 million people are waiting for biometric data collection.

The registration process is continuing in phases across the country.

Part of a bigger digital plan

The digital ID system is one part of Rwanda’s larger digital acceleration strategy, which aims to expand broadband internet, improve digital public services, and support innovation in the country.

As the rollout continues, senators said the success of the project will depend on clear communication, strong security, and equal access for people in both cities and rural areas.