Zambia and Ethiopia have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in digital identity systems, marking a major step in Africa’s digital transformation. The agreement, finalized on September 29, 2025, sets the stage for knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two nations as they work to expand access to secure and inclusive digital services. Officials from both governments emphasized the role of the initiative in boosting service delivery, enhancing transparency, and advancing regional integration.
Details of the Agreement
The MoU was signed by Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, alongside the Smart Zambia Institute, and Ethiopia’s National Identity Programme (NIDP). Through the partnership, Zambia will draw on Ethiopia’s experience in implementing a nationwide digital ID system, which has been widely recognized for its robustness and scalability. Ethiopian officials highlighted that the cooperation also represents the country’s first formal technical advisory engagement with another nation on digital identity.
Strategic Importance of Digital Identity
During the ceremony, Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the Smart Zambia Institute, described the MoU as a “landmark development” in Zambia’s digitalization agenda. He noted that a reliable digital identity framework is essential for enabling citizens to access critical services such as healthcare, education, social protection, and financial tools. Chinyama also stressed that the agreement would help Zambia accelerate its reform agenda while reinforcing transparency and accountability in governance.
Ethiopia’s Expertise and Regional Role
Ethiopia’s digital identity journey has attracted attention across Africa, particularly through its deployment of the Fayda ID system, which leverages MOSIP’s open-source technology. By successfully rolling out a scalable and secure system, Ethiopia has demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale identity infrastructure on the continent. The collaboration with Zambia not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions Ethiopia as a regional leader in shaping Africa’s digital identity landscape.
Broader Regional Context
The partnership aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes the role of home-grown digital solutions in accelerating integration and development across the continent. Both countries underscored that the MoU reflects Africa’s growing momentum to develop secure, interoperable identity frameworks that can support economic growth and social inclusion. By working together, Zambia and Ethiopia are setting an example of cross-border cooperation to achieve shared digital transformation goals.
Visits and Knowledge Exchange
As part of the MoU framework, a high-level Zambian delegation visited Addis Ababa to study Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure and service delivery. The delegation observed operations at key institutions including Ethio Telecom, Ethiopost, and the MESOB One-Stop Service Center, gaining insights into registration, data management, and card issuance processes. These visits provided Zambia’s officials with practical exposure to Ethiopia’s integrated systems, which are designed to streamline government services and improve citizen engagement.
Diplomatic Engagement and Commitments
Tom Michelo, Charge d’Affaires at the Zambian Embassy in Addis Ababa, welcomed Ethiopia’s support and called for swift action in implementing the agreement. He emphasized that timely operationalization of the MoU would yield tangible benefits for both nations by expanding cooperation in technology-driven development. Ethiopian officials echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration would also contribute to broader continental ambitions for digital sovereignty.
The Zambia-Ethiopia MoU on digital identity marks a significant milestone in Africa’s digital journey, combining Ethiopia’s proven expertise with Zambia’s reform agenda. By prioritizing secure and inclusive identity systems, the partnership promises to strengthen access to essential services, promote accountability, and deepen regional integration. As both countries move forward with implementation, the agreement stands as a model for how African nations can collaborate to accelerate digital transformation and deliver long-term social and economic benefits.