DRC stops $1.2 Billion national ID project on cost concerns

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has abruptly cancelled its ambitious USD1.2 billion national ID project, citing inflated costs and concerns raised by watchdog groups. This decision leaves one of the world’s poorest countries still grappling with the absence of a comprehensive civil registry system.

The lack of a national ID system in the DRC has long been a stumbling block for governance and economic inclusion, making it difficult to accurately determine the country’s population, manage voter registration, collect taxes, and provide citizens with access to basic financial services.

These challenges have persisted despite repeated promises from leaders to establish a robust national identity infrastructure.

Hope flickered in 2020 when nearly 60 companies vied for the opportunity to provide the DRC with a national ID system. The Ministry of Interior initially estimated the project cost at USD360 million. However, when biometrics provider Idemia and local partner Afritech emerged as frontrunners, their proposal came with a massive price tag of USD1.2 billion—more than triple the original estimate. This figure raised red flags among activist groups and government watchdogs, who voiced concerns about potential fund misuse.

Faced with mounting pressure, the Congolese government made the difficult decision to cancel the deal. Had it proceeded, this contract would have ranked among the most expensive digital identity projects in history. The cancellation of this project leaves the DRC at a crossroads, grappling with key questions about how to address the urgent need for a national ID system, ensure future projects are more cost-effective, and maintain transparency throughout the bidding and implementation processes.

For millions of Congolese citizens, the dream of easier access to official documents, financial services, and civic participation remains just out of reach — for now.

As the country seeks alternative solutions to its identity infrastructure challenges, the implications of this cancellation highlights the complex interplay of technology, governance, and development.

TechGyant will continue to monitor this developing story, providing insights into its impact on the DRC’s digital transformation journey.