Ethiopia is set to incorporate Fayda biometric data into its passport application process as part of a broader initiative to enhance the integration of digital identification across both public and private sectors.

Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Service or ICS has confirmed the integration of [1] the Fayda national digital ID with the passport application system, aiming to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the process. The ICS indicated that this integration aligns with the Ethiopian government’s utility-first strategy to promote the adoption of the digital ID by connecting it with an increasing number of public and private sector services. According to Selamawit Dawit who [2] is the ICS Director General, passport applications will now be processed using biometric data managed by the National Identity Authority or NIDP. This development is expected to address ongoing delays in passport issuance, a significant concern for citizens.

During [3] a recent announcement covered by Birrmetrics, the official noted that the application process for biometric passports will transition to a fully online system, as part of the government’s initiative to simplify procedures and reduce the necessity for in-person visits to passport offices. Director General Selamawit Dawit insists that this initiative is part of a grand scheme to modernize operations, improve service delivery, and finally tackle the endless complaints that have been mounting. In the past two years, the Service has purportedly implemented a series of reforms, including so-called technological upgrades and human capital restructuring. “The outdated passport service system is being overhauled. Among the key achievements is the introduction of the electronic passport, which, drawing on international best practices, is transforming our operational culture,” said Dawit.

Ethiopia has established a foundational digital ID system and is concurrently developing other digital public infrastructure. The government asserts that the Fayda ID is a key component of [4] its digital government strategy for 2030, which was announced [5] by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in December 2025. “As of today, we have officially launched Digital Ethiopia 2030. Expanding accessibility, creating equal opportunities for citizens, and strengthening trust between citizens and institutions are among the key foundational pillars of the strategy,” said Ahmed. Yodahie Arayaselassie, who [6] is the Coordinator of the National ID Programme, stated that the Fayda Digital ID is being implemented as a vital element of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy. At present, 30 million citizens have registered for the Fayda ID. “Under Digital Ethiopia 2030, Fayda has also been given strategic importance, with efforts underway to make it fully accessible. In particular, services at the lowest administrative levels will be integrated with Fayda to achieve the goals set out in the strategy,” said Arayaselassie.

In 2026 the national digital identification programme [7] has registered over 46 million individuals, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing digital identity initiatives in Africa and a key component of the nation's digital transformation strategy. Officials report that nearly 165 institutions, comprising banks, digital payment providers, startups, and public service agencies, have integrated with the national database. These integrations facilitate seamless identity verification, expedite service delivery, and enhance secure data exchange across various sectors.

Yodahe Zemichael who [8] is the executive director of Ethiopia's National ID Programme said, “When you get a driver's license, you have a different address. When you get a kebele ID, you have one address. When you open a bank account, you enter a different address. So there is no single source of truth for the service provider and for you, it's inconvenient because you have to spend a lot of time entering all of this data again and again, the same data. With Fayda, the process becomes frictionless. Users only need to provide their identification number, and their verified Know Your Customer information can be securely shared with authorized service providers.