A pilot program under Smart Africa linking the national identity systems of Benin, Ghana, and Rwanda began its first technical phase on 20 October 2026 in Kigali. Officials announced the move, marking a key step toward cross-border digital identity verification.
The initial setup connected the three countries’ digital ID platforms through a shared exchange system. Instead of using real citizen data, the test relied on synthetic records in a controlled environment. This approach ensured security while evaluating the system’s compatibility.
The project combines two key elements: the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA), which establishes governance frameworks, and the Smart Africa Data Exchange (SADX), the technical infrastructure handling data transfers and validation across borders. Lacina Koné, director-general and CEO of Smart Africa, emphasized that interoperability does not require centralized control or compromise national sovereignty.
One demonstration involved an automated airport e-gate where a traveler’s identity was cross-checked against their home country’s registry before granting clearance. This test highlighted the system’s potential for real-world applications.
Future applications could include businesses verifying their registration status in another country, professionals having their qualifications recognized abroad, or travelers confirming vaccination records. The initiative supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision of a unified digital market and aligns with the African Union’s broader framework for identity interoperability.
The next phase will shift to a controlled operational pilot using real identity checks, but this depends on national approvals, security assessments, and readiness evaluations.
The broader declaration behind the pilot, signed by 19 countries representing over 335 million people, includes Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. National identification agencies and ICT departments across these countries are supporting the effort.
Funding and technical backing come from the African Development Bank, the European Union, and Norway’s development agency. Ascend Digital Solutions, responsible for developing SADX, stated readiness for the next stages of functional testing and broader deployment.