Press Release No. : 23/2024
Date : 04 October 2024
Press Release No 23 – National Digital Identification (ID) Program Update
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) in collaboration with the Fiji Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) successfully hosted an inception workshop for the National Digital ID Project on 01 and 02 October 2024. This follows the project’s approval by Cabinet on 18 June 2024, marking a key early step in the commencement of a National Digital ID system intended for use by both government and the private sector.
The workshop convened key stakeholders including representatives from Government ministries, commercial banks and the private sector to discuss the foundational aspects of the National Digital ID, which will feature Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) functionality. It was facilitated by representatives from the ADB who have vast experience from working on similar projects in other countries around the world.
In his opening address Mr Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, highlighted the significance of the National Digital ID as a crucial element in Fiji’s digital economy transformation. He emphasised that it would facilitate greater connectivity and integration into the global economy. “Our goal is to create a secure and scalable national database that supports accurate and inclusive identification processes. The National Digital ID will help create a more inclusive society by increasing access to services and economic opportunities, particularly for citizens in rural and maritime areas, as well as MSMEs and cooperatives. Additional benefits include improving our resilience to natural disasters and supporting our sustainable development goals, particularly environmental targets, through more efficient policies and better access to data,” Mr Ali stated.
ADB’s Regional Director for the Pacific Subregional Office, Mr Aaron Batten, expressed the ADB’s appreciation for partnering with the RBF on this initiative. He noted that the National Digital ID and e-KYC “aligns with ADB’s Fiji country partnership strategy 2024-2028 and contributes to meeting the objectives of offering sustainable and efficient public services and building a resilient, inclusive, and efficient financial system.”
RBF Governor Ariff Ali underscored the importance of a National Digital ID system in an increasingly interconnected world, highlighting that “a National ID can be likened to a key that can open doors or provide a seamless pathway to Government services. It serves as a cornerstone for citizenship, enabling Fijians to access essential services such as healthcare, education and banking in an efficient manner. We believe that a robust National Digital ID system will empower citizens by improving access to basic services and fostering economic growth.’’
The workshop laid the groundwork for developing a secure and comprehensive National ID program to enhance access to services while protecting personal information. Participants explored the drivers behind a National Digital ID, potential benefits and challenges, and the roadmap for implementing e-KYC authentication and verification systems. ADB shared best practices from successful National ID programs worldwide, covering lessons learned, innovative approaches to implementation and the technical and functional requirements for such a system.
Crucially, the discussion included strategies for public awareness and community engagement to address concerns and ensure broad support. The insights gained from the workshop will guide the development of a National Digital ID program that meets the needs of all Fijians. The Reserve Bank and the Fiji Government are committed to ongoing collaboration and communication with all stakeholders, recognising that the success of this initiative will require collective effort.
The project is expected to take at least 36 months to complete. A Steering Committee co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica with Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Governor Ali as well as the Solicitor General and comprising members from the Ministry of Justice, Solicitor General’s Office, Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics and the Reserve Bank of Fiji have been tasked by Government to spearhead the work on the National Digital ID program. Moving forward, stakeholders will work closely to establish a project team, governance structures and a communication plan. This will be followed by the drafting of enabling legislation and the procurement of an appropriate solution.
RESERVE BANK OF FIJI
For further details, please contact: –
Mervin Singh – Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: (679) 3223 229 Email: mervin@rbf.gov.fj