Cameroon has started issuing new national identity cards, a key step in its digital identity management initiative. These cards are designed to modernize and secure identity verification.
Cameroonians can pre-enroll, online since February 17, to obtain the country’s new national identity card (CNI). Developed by German company Augentic in partnership with the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN), this new biometric and digital ID marks a significant step forward in identity management, with major security, economic, and social implications.
The new ID card meets international ISO/IEC 9303 standards and incorporates advanced security features. It includes an electronic chip or a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) containing all recorded data, as well as a unique QR code. These technological upgrades strengthen fraud prevention, making identity theft and forgery significantly more difficult while facilitating automated verification both nationally and internationally.
A Gateway to E-Services
Beyond security, the digital nature of the new ID card holds vast economic and social potential. By linking the card to a unique digital identifier, citizens could gain access to secure government platforms, such as tax services, social security, and online payments.
Reliable biometric identification would also simplify banking procedures, enabling remote account openings and expanding financial inclusion. Financial institutions could use digital identities to assess creditworthiness, making it easier for individuals to access microloans and tailored insurance services. A trustworthy digital identity is fundamental to fostering confidence in economic transactions and could also benefit the e-commerce sector.
Additionally, the new ID could serve as the foundation for secure electronic voting systems, reducing electoral fraud risks and ensuring greater transparency in democratic processes.
Towards E-Governance and Smarter Public Policies
Biometric and digital identity plays a crucial role in social planning by providing the government with authenticated data on citizens, including employment status, disability, education level, residency, and family ties. With this data, authorities can better target social programs such as family allowances, scholarships, and housing aid. The digital ID system would also generate reliable statistical insights for economic planning, including tax forecasting and job creation strategies.
However, for the new ID card to serve as a true gateway to digital services and a tool for poverty reduction, Cameroon must establish a robust, interconnected identification system. This requires a strong legal framework to regulate digital identity and stringent data protection measures, as personal information is becoming a critical resource in the fourth industrial revolution.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
