Rwanda’s National Identification Agency (NIDA) has kicked off Digital ID enrollment in Kigali on February 7, 2026, enhancing seamless mobility for East African Community (EAC) citizens from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and beyond. This city-wide drive promises faster border crossings and economic ties, aligning with regional integration goals.
These Digital IDs, available as QR codes or tokens, enable quick biometric verification at EAC borders, cutting queues for Ugandans and Tanzanians commuting for work or trade in Kigali’s hubs. Building on EAC e-passport standards, it supports visa-free travel and single tourist visas, boosting intra-EAC commerce projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030.
Kigali’s seven-week program targets residents including refugees, migrants, and foreigners from neighboring states, with sites in Nyarugenge, Gasabo, and Kicukiro districts open weekends. Bring parent/spouse IDs; pre-verify via Irembo app for 10-minute processing—ideal for cross-border families.
Part of a 200B RWF World Bank project fully live by July 2026, Rwanda’s system inspires Uganda’s ongoing NIRA digital push and Tanzania’s biometric upgrades, fostering secure labor flows and supply chains. NIDA DG Josephine Mukesha urges participation: “Update records now for effortless regional access.”
