SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama says Zambia will introduce digital identification cards by the end of 2026, following significant progress in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Chinyama adds that the digital ID’s will help resolve the issue of being blacklisted by the US, stating that the sanctions could be linked to Zambia not having a reliable ID system.

According to a statement issued by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Embassy of Zambia in Washington Charles Tembo, Monday, Chinyama said the milestone has been achieved through the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP) supported by the World Bank.

“The SMART Zambia Institute has announced that Zambia will introduce digital identification cards by the end of 2026, following significant progress in the country’s digital transformation agenda. Speaking during engagements in Washington-DC, United States, SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Mr Percy Chinyama said the milestone is being achieved through the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), which was approved by the World Bank Group in March 2025. DZAP is supported by a US$100 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) and aims to increase access to the internet and digitally enabled public services across Zambia,” Tembo stated.

“The project places strong emphasis on digital inclusion, particularly for women and girls, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The initiative is part of the second phase of the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) programme, under which Zambia joins Angola, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and COMESA in advancing inclusive digital economies in the region”.

Chinyama said the introduction of the digital identification cards will strengthen the national identification system.

“Mr Chinyama stated that Zambia has made notable progress in expanding e-government services, improving efficiency, transparency, and security in public service delivery. He noted that the introduction of digital identification cards will further strengthen the national identification system. ‘We have made tremendous progress under the project. By the end of 2026, Zambia will have digital identification cards. Our work focuses on digital ID systems, infrastructure development, e-services, and capacity building. The World Bank has expressed satisfaction with the progress made, which may result in additional support for Zambia’s digitalization efforts’,” Tembo quoted Chinyama as saying.

Chinyama added that the digital ID’s will help resolve the issue of being blacklisted by the US, stating that the sanctions could be linked to Zambia not having a reliable ID system.

“He added that President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that key public services be delivered through e-services to enhance efficiency and accessibility for citizens. Mr Chinyama emphasized that digitalization remains a critical pillar in strengthening national identification, service delivery, and inclusive development in Zambia. The digital ID, that takes about half the budget 50 million dollars is going to the digital IDs, our hope and what we are working towards is that by the end of 2026, Zambians will have digital IDs and it will even help the situation. See these things where we are being blacklisted, I think it is linked to the fact that we do not have a reliable ID system that can be cross checked by other countries that would have interest in those that are travelling,” Tembo quoted Chinyama as saying.