Congo Launches National Drive for Secure Digital Identity System

The Republic of Congo launched a high-level national workshop aimed at developing a reliable, inclusive, and secure digital identity system as part of its broader digital transformation agenda. Convened in Brazzaville, the multi-stakeholder workshop brought together government officials, private sector actors, international partners, and development agencies to outline a roadmap that places digital identity at the heart of Congo’s modernisation efforts.

Opened by the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, the workshop marks a significant milestone in the implementation of “Congo Digital 2025”, the national strategy to position digital technology as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.

Laying the Foundation for Digital Citizenship

The initiative is backed by the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN), funded by the World Bank with an investment of USD 100 million, and is being led by the African Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CARIA), under the Ministry’s supervision. Technical support is also being provided by international partners such as Thales , a global leader in digital identity and security solutions.

Speaking at the workshop, Laurent Jutard, Head of Mission at Thales, underlined the critical role of digital identity as the foundation of a modern digital state:

“The first pillar of digital transformation is already to give a trusted digital identity to everyone. This places citizens at the centre of digital public services, ensuring access to healthcare, education, financial services, and civic participation.”

-Laurent Jutard, Head of Mission, Thales. 

Minister Ibombo echoed the sentiment, stressing that Congo is ready to step into a new era where digital identity will serve as a backbone for rights protection, service delivery, and economic participation:

“Digital identity is much more than a technical tool. It is the very foundation of modern citizenship, an essential key to guaranteeing access for all to fundamental rights, public services and economic opportunities.”

-Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Republic of Congo.

A Strategic Imperative for National Sovereignty

The workshop takes place amid rapid global digitalisation and rising concerns over data protection and sovereignty. The Congolese government has made clear that any new system must be designed to international standards, be interoperable across institutions, and ensure the protection of personal data.

According to officials, the objectives of the new digital identity system include:

• Strengthening national sovereignty through data ownership

• Securing transactions and reducing fraud

• Improving public administration efficiency

• Facilitating social and financial inclusion

• Ensuring no citizen is left behind—urban or rural

In line with the outcomes of a recent national seminar on cybercrime, the workshop will also feed into broader efforts to position Congo as a credible player in Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

Towards a Shared National Roadmap

By the end of the multi-day engagement, stakeholders are expected to produce a clear, actionable roadmap for establishing a digital identity framework that is both ambitious and inclusive. The roadmap will reflect a consensus across institutions and sectors, reinforcing Congo’s commitment to leveraging digital tools for development while protecting citizen rights and national interests.

As the Congolese state signals its readiness to enter the global digital era, this workshop serves as a critical step toward aligning infrastructure, policy, and purpose around one goal: a digital identity system that empowers every Congolese citizen.