Feb 12 2010
De La Rue Identity Systems,
a world expert in secure e-government identity solutions, today announced
that it will design and roll-out East Africa's first national eID project for
the Government of Rwanda, as part of the ongoing Rwandan National ID project
(NID). The plans for systems integration, to combine data from the current ID
card, passport and driver's licence, are already underway. The first eID
documents are expected to be distributed in around six months, following
successful completion of the pilot phase.
Rwanda's existing national ID card, also produced by De La Rue, is
currently held by all citizens over the age of 16. It is envisaged the new
eID card will replace this and contain additional e-government information,
such as health and social security details, putting Rwanda at the forefront
of regional IT advancement and offering further evidence of its strong
economic resurgence.
Pascal Nyamurinda, National ID Project Coordinator, Ministry of Local
Government said "Rwanda is very proud to be launching East Africa's first eID
scheme. This project is of utmost importance for our country, providing our
citizens with access to additional services through the use of a highly
secure eID device. We have chosen to work with De La Rue for over ten years
now and throughout that time we have been impressed by their constant efforts
to exceed our expectations, always delivering an innovative and trusted
solution."
James Thorburn, Managing Director, De La Rue Identity Systems commented
"De La Rue is delighted to be strengthening its relationship with Rwanda,
focused on delivering a dynamic strategic project. We already provide the
country's passport, current ID card, driver's licence and supporting systems
so we are able to use our local knowledge and expertise, as well as
experience from implementing over 50 national schemes, to ensure successful
implementation of the new eID project."
SOURCE De La Rue Identity Systems