In a groundbreaking announcement, the National ID Office of Ethiopia has revealed that it has secured a substantial funding package of $350 million from the World Bank for the implementation of the country's National ID System. The project aims to issue national IDs to the 90 million Ethiopians living across the country.
Yodahe Zemichael, the Executive Director of National ID Ethiopia, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved and highlighted the economic impact of the project, drawing a comparison to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as recently stated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
Yodahe underscored the instrumental role played by the Office of the Prime Minister in securing the funds, emphasizing their crucial support for this ambitious endeavor. He extended his appreciation to key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Revenues and the Administration for Refugee & Returnee Affairs (ARRA), for their contributions to the project. Their collaboration and support have been vital in bringing the vision of a comprehensive National ID System for Ethiopia closer to reality, according to him.
Echoing recent statements made by Prime Minister Abiy, Yodahe emphasized the economic significance of the National ID System project. He drew a parallel between the project's impact and the grand scale of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a massive infrastructure undertaking worth $5 billion.
The National ID System is poised to have far-reaching economic implications for the nation, according to the office in charge of the project. The implementation of the National ID System is set to span a five-year period.
Yodahe highlighted that the system will not only streamline administrative processes but also have a profound impact on various sectors, including public services and financial transactions. The system aims to foster social trust among Ethiopian citizens, bolster economic growth, and enhance overall development by providing a reliable and secure means of verifying identities.