The Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative aims to help countries realize the transformational potential of digital identification systems, including civil registration. In Ethiopia, ID4D provided technical assistance to help design the country’s new Fayda ID system, which uses biometric technology to issue unique digital identities. ID4D helped ensure the system aligns with the ten Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development and prioritizes data protection and inclusivity.
A follow-on $350 million IDA project enables the system’s rollout to 90 million Ethiopian nationals and legal residents, including nearly one million refugees. A $50 million grant from the IDA Refugee and Host Community Financing Window supports the project. This financing was prompted by ID4D analysis that revealed how Fayda ID would improve refugee access to essential services, ease tensions between refugees and host communities, and promote unity and belonging. ID4D also financed a series of inclusion studies and enabled initial discussions among key government players and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on a data-sharing agreement to integrate the national and refugee ID systems.
Ethiopia's success has set a precedent. ID4D is now working with UNHCR to replicate this approach that combines technical assistance and World Bank Group lending to boost refugee inclusion in national ID systems.
The activities in this story were implemented with the generous support of the following development partners:
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, France, Norway, Omidyar Network Fund, Inc., United Kingdom.
For more information on how trust funds help coordinate, innovate and catalyze development action, please see the World Bank Group’s FY24 Trust Fund Annual Report.
