Authorities in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa will start issuing digital identification cards (ID) to residents next week. The new digital identification cards will replace the old system.
The digital ID cards will contain the personal information of the bearer including the person’s blood type as well as fingerprints and bar codes. However, the new digital cards will not contain the birthplace and tribe of the bearer.
According to the office of the Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Agency, the new digital ID will start being issued from Addis Ketema Sub City. Officials say Addis Ketema Sub City will be a test and based on how things go, the cards will be issued in other sub-cities in Addis Ababa.
One reason officials chose the digital card system is to curb the use of fake IDs. The new system will also limit tax avoidance and other crimes people commit with fake IDs. The Ministry of Revenue has started shutting down several businesses operated by people with fake IDs. These businesses have reportedly cost the state millions by failing to pay taxes.
If officials can fully digitize the ID system across the country, the 2020 national election in Ethiopia may be digital. This is expected to make the democratic process more efficient.
Recently, officials announced that the government would be using digital technology in the next national census. The next national population and housing census, which is set to take place in April, will be the first-ever digital technology-assisted national census in the country’s history.
The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) is also set to introduce a digital platform that will allow customers to pay their bills online. The new payment system will make things easier for Ethiopians. Customers can pay their bills via mobile phones and any device connected to the Internet. Payments for utility bills can also go through the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). The new digital electricity payment system is scheduled to be implemented at the end of this fiscal year.
