New report warns biometric ID systems across Africa are excluding millions from essential rights and services

A new report, published by the Institute of Development Studies and the African Digital Rights Network, warns that biometric digital ID systems being rolled out across Africa are blocking millions of people from exercising their fundamental rights and accessing essential public services. The study, which draws on ten country case studies, finds that many of the systems require citizens to submit biometric and personal data as a condition for receiving services such as voting, social protection payments, healthcare and education.

According to the research, groups already facing structural barriers-including persons with disabilities, people with low literacy levels and those without reliable access to mobile phones, data or electricity – are least able to enrol in digital-ID systems. These constraints risk deepening existing inequalities and leaving many unable to participate fully in civic and economic life. Some citizens also avoid enrolling due to concerns over data breaches, surveillance or misuse of personal information.

The report notes that most biometric ID systems in Africa lack comprehensive legal and accountability frameworks. This includes insufficient data-protection safeguards, limited mechanisms to prevent or remedy errors, and inadequate digital-security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access. Researchers describe a pattern in which the systems are introduced and expanded despite repeated public opposition, and despite limited evidence that citizens have requested or prioritised them.

The study highlights growing mistrust, pointing to cases in which personal data has allegedly been repurposed to monitor political opponents or critics. It raises concerns about the rapid shift toward making essential services conditional on biometric enrolment, which risks excluding those unable or unwilling to participate.

Authors stress that governments should not impose biometric ID systems without meaningful participation from affected communities. They argue that robust legislative protections must be established before deployment, and that inclusion – not technological convenience – should guide system design. The report concludes that more transparent governance, stronger privacy protections and democratic oversight are essential to prevent further rights-based harms.

The findings are based on case studies from Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Ethiopia, Egypt and Tunisia, produced in collaboration with researchers across the continent.