Reflection on African Citizen Identification Systems

A modern and well-structured citizen identification ecosystem contributes to accelerated development. Within the scope of ID4D or ID4Africa, actions are promoted for the development of robust identification and civil registration models. However, there are still many people in the world without any legal identification. This article analyses ecosystems in 11 African countries and highlights common challenges regarding inclusion; security, protection and privacy of citizen data; interoperability; governance; legal framework, among others, therefore, it is recommended the development of an integrated and interoperable conceptual model adjusted to the African reality.