Ethiopia has launched the distribution of digital ID cards to refugees and returnees in Addis Ababa, starting with 77,000 individuals before extending to approximately one million others from neighboring countries. The initiative, supported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Ethiopia's ID and refugee authorities, aims to provide access to vital services such as SIM card registration, healthcare, education, and financial services.

Implemented under the UNHCR's PING PRIMES Interoperability Gateway project and supported by the World Bank, the initiative marks a significant step towards inclusion and ease of access to essential services. Teyiba Hassen, director general of Ethiopia's Refugees and Returnees Service, highlighted the government's commitment to integrating refugees into national systems, aligning with commitments made during the Global Refugee Forum in 2023.

Yodahe Zemichael, head of NIDP, emphasized the importance of IDs for socially vulnerable groups, underscoring the role of IDs in providing dignity, legal recognition, and integration opportunities. Andrew Mbogori, UNHCR country representative, praised Ethiopia's efforts in realizing the Global Compact on Refugees, aiming for long-term solutions.

Including refugees in the national ID system reflects Ethiopia's broader agenda for inclusive digital transformation. The government aims to include up to 814,000 refugees in the national ID database, as pledged at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.

Ethiopia's digital ID rollout is progressing rapidly, with approximately four million IDs already issued. At the recent MOSIP Connect gathering, a UNICEF official highlighted the project's impact on empowering forcibly displaced persons in the Oromia region, demonstrating the tangible benefits of digital inclusion efforts in refugee communities.

Why does it matter?

The distribution of digital ID cards to Ethiopian refugees and returnees is crucial as it grants access to vital social services, fostering inclusion and easing their integration into society. This initiative reflects Ethiopia's commitment to upholding the rights of refugees, aligning with global efforts to provide long-term solutions and ensure equitable access to documentation and services. Ethiopia aims to drive an inclusive digital transformation by including refugees in the national ID system, empowering marginalized communities, and advancing social cohesion.