A workshop focused on Fiji’s National ID Programme, an essential element of the Government’s digital economy initiatives, commenced in Suva last week. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), the Fiji Government, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aiming to establish an identification system for governmental and private sector use.
Shaheen Ali, the permanent secretary for Trade, reiterated the Government’s dedication to the project, stating that the initiative is geared towards creating an effective electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) process, which is vital for empowering citizens and promoting financial inclusion. “Our goal is to create a secure and scalable national database that supports accurate and inclusive identification processes,” he explained.
Aaron Batten, the ADB’s regional director for the Pacific Subregional Office, emphasized how the National Digital ID and e-KYC align with ADB’s Fiji country partnership strategy for 2024-2028. This alignment helps achieve objectives related to providing sustainable and efficient public services while fostering a resilient, inclusive, and effective financial system.
RBF governor Ariff Ali highlighted the significance of a National Digital ID system in our increasingly interconnected world, comparing a National ID to a key that unlocks access to government services. “It serves as a cornerstone for citizenship, enabling Fijians to efficiently access essential services such as healthcare, education, and banking,” he stated. “We believe that a robust National Digital ID system will empower citizens by improving access to basic services and fostering economic growth.”
The project is anticipated to take a minimum of 36 months to complete, with a steering committee co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, and Governor Ali set up to oversee its implementation.