We reported yesterday, on the announcement by the National ID Project, of plans to introduce by the end of this year, all purpose electronic smart cards.

The cards will enable Rwandans to identify themselves, access insurance services, banking services and immigration services, among others.

This effectively means wallets and purses will be relieved of extra weight, coming from too many cards, or paperwork used for identification purposes.

It also means that services will be made more efficient, faster and easily accessible.

Rwanda is a fast developing nation, with a big stake as a key player in regional and global affairs.

Progress in making service delivery more efficient and customer friendly, only enhances current efforts at promoting local investment and tourism.

Reputable British company, De-La-rue, is working with the National ID Project, in the designing, implementation and management of the secure identification systems.

The new cards are also most welcome, as they will help reduce various forms of criminal activities – from theft to fraud.

Data captured during registration, includes finger prints and signatures, which are stored in a national data-base.

This means only upgrading the cards when necessary with no need to have these details taken again.

The challenge left, as Rwandans wait to take advantage of this latest innovation, is for all those institutions, that are not yet connected online to do so, as they risk being left behind. 

The National Smart Cards mean accelerated development and will require a mindset that wishes to break from the past, for all key players to play ball, especially government institutions.

Ends