The Africa Single Digital Identity Management System (AfSDIMS) is a continental digital framework designed to provide every African with a secure, interoperable, and verifiable digital identity. It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA Secretariat’s vision for a unified digital market by enabling trusted cross-border identity verification, facilitating trade, e-governance, financial inclusion, and mobility across member states. AfSDIMS represents a cornerstone for Africa’s digital sovereignty—ensuring that identity data is protected, standardized, and governed within the continent.

According to Gbande Hembaor Terwase, Group Managing Director of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and CEO of AfDIC, “This technology promises to enhance digital identity verification, strengthen privacy safeguards, and facilitate seamless access to services for millions of Africans.” He emphasized that AfSDIMS is the product of rigorous research and development by AfDIC’s expert team, reflecting a commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

In his response, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, commended the initiative’s potential to drive Africa’s digital integration while protecting personal data. He noted that the collaboration aligns with NDPC’s mission to uphold data privacy and build trust in digital systems within Nigeria and across Africa. Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism about AfSDIMS’s ability to reduce identity fraud, improve public service delivery, and promote regional economic and digital cooperation.

The collaboration between AfDIC, BDIC, and NDPC marks a major step toward positioning Africa as a leader in digital innovation and trusted data ecosystems. It underscores the synergy between digital infrastructure development and robust data protection governance—an essential foundation for achieving a safe, inclusive, and integrated digital Africa.