A secure identity infrastructure is essential for the continent to achieve its destiny as a fair, inclusive, and prosperous society in Ethiopia and Africa, writes Kalkidan Arega
A range of factors is coming together to drive strong growth across Africa, each reinforcing the other and accelerating meaningful socio-economic development across the continent. Among the most impactful of these initiatives is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to establish a single market for goods and services. To date, 47 of Africa’s 55 states have ratified the agreement.
If Africa capitalizes on this opportunity, it could, for example, enable the development of regional cross-border manufacturing hubs and streamline intra-African commerce.
Interventions like AfCFTA must be lauded and supported, alongside the African Union’s ongoing effort to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The Open Skies project would liberalize air travel and boost connectivity across the continent by removing restrictions on air routes, capacity, pricing, and market access. These efforts could help Africa leverage its growing young workforce and rich natural resources.
Economic Growth Prospects
Africa is making real changes to improve its economy, and these efforts are starting to pay off. The African Development Bank expects the continent’s economy to grow by 3.7% in 2024 and 4.3% in 2025. With nearly 1.4 billion people, about 18% of the global population, Africa is the world’s second-most populous continent. Yet, despite its demographic heft, Africa accounts for less than 3% of global air traffic, highlighting the need for further economic expansion and integration.
One major obstacle, however, persists: the challenge of securing and verifying identities. Without trusted identity systems, it remains difficult for individuals to access services, move freely across borders, and fully participate in economic opportunities.
Overcoming this challenge is critical to unlocking Africa’s full potential. TOPPAN Security, where I hold a senior role in Ethiopia, is a world leader in identity security. I lead the team building an ePassport production facility in Addis Ababa—a USD 55 million investment that will enable the issuance of more than 5 million passports and other secure identity documents once fully operational.
TOPPAN Security Ethiopia is a joint venture between TOPPAN Security, Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), Berhanena Selam Printing Enterprise (BSPE), and Educational Materials Production & Distribution Enterprise (EMPDE), which together hold a combined share of 49%. The TOPPAN Group holds a 51% stake. Beyond national impact, the facility positions Ethiopia as a regional hub for exporting identity documents and security components, signaling a new era of growth, innovation, and contribution to Africa’s broader economic development.
Technology and Expertise Combined
This project demonstrates how technology and expertise can come together to enhance security and efficiency in public services. The Ethiopian ePassport is the result of knowledge transfer, cutting-edge innovations, and a shared vision for a more secure and seamless travel experience for Ethiopian citizens. As part of this transition, the Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) will ensure a seamless adoption process and guide citizens through the application and issuance procedures.
With this milestone, Ethiopia takes a significant step forward in modernizing its immigration infrastructure, strengthening national security, and ensuring a more seamless, efficient, and secure experience for travelers. The new ePassport integrates biometric technology, advanced encryption, and tamper-proof materials, ensuring compliance with international standards and significantly enhancing security. It is backed by modernized passport issuance systems implemented by TOPPAN Security to streamline application processes and improve service delivery for Ethiopian citizens. In short, it marks a major step forward in modernizing the country’s travel documentation system.
ID4Africa Spearheads Identity Security
As Africa pushes forward with economic reforms and rapid population growth, the need for secure, trusted identity systems is more urgent than ever.
ID4Africa—the continent’s only annual event dedicated to identity—held in Addis Ababa this month, highlighting the critical role of identity in driving inclusion, development, and security. Millions across Africa still lack formal identification, limiting their access to services, justice, and opportunities. Legal identity is the foundation for digital transformation, financial inclusion, and national resilience—yet many countries face challenges like cybercrime and weak legal frameworks. Robust digital identity ecosystems are essential for progress.
Ethiopia stands out as a country making real strides. With the launch of its new ePassport and the opening of the state-of-the-art TOPPAN Security factory in Addis Ababa, the nation is strengthening its identity infrastructure and setting a strong example of digital innovation and sovereignty in action. The TOPPAN Security Group proudly supports Ethiopia’s journey and contributing to the broader mission of building secure, inclusive identity systems across the continent.
Digitization Enhances Security
Africa is making real progress. In Ethiopia, projects like the National ID and ePassport are strong examples of how digital systems can make identity more secure. In South Africa, the government is working with banks to offer Smart ID and passport services in hundreds of branches and through banking apps. They are also upgrading systems at all ports of entry.
All these efforts highlight why secure identity systems are essential and why they are recognized as a cornerstone of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for building a better future.
