The Democratic Republic of Congo has formalised a public-private partnership with Singapore-based Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. to launch a nationwide digital identity programme.
The agreement, announced on June 25, sets the stage for a phased rollout of DRCPass, a next-generation identity system aimed at transforming public service access and accelerating financial inclusion.
DRCPass: A digital identity for a new era
The DRCPass platform will serve four core functions: SIM card registration, access to e-government portals, activation of digital payments, and provision of a verifiable digital citizen ID.
Citizens will access the system via the Tridentity mobile app, which features blockchain-secured onboarding and single-sign-on (SSO) capabilities.
Under the agreement, Trident becomes the exclusive provider of e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) services in the country, following a preliminary framework signed with the President’s Office in December 2024.
Government officials say the initiative marks a milestone in the DRC’s digital development, with the potential to streamline identity verification, reduce fraud, enable instant credit, and connect millions to vital public and private sector services.
The government hopes the new identity system will streamline processes like SIM card binding to verified citizen data, eliminate fraud, unlock instant credit, and bridge the gap between Congolese citizens and public or private institutions.
Trident and DRC officials tout ambitious digital Future
H.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, called the agreement “a defining chapter in the digital rebirth of our nation.”
He said DRCPass would promote digital sovereignty and make the DRC more resilient to future challenges.
Trident CEO Soon Huat Lim echoed the sentiment, stating, “We commend the Republic’s leadership for embracing a digital future… and look forward to a rollout that others in Africa will surely emulate.”
The deal comes as the DRC, home to over 80 million mobile subscribers, looks to modernise its digital infrastructure. GSMA Intelligence estimates show a growing number of banked citizens who will benefit from secure e-KYC services.
Broader implications for Africa’s digital identity push
The DRC’s move aligns with a broader trend across Africa, where countries like South Africa and Namibia are launching or expanding digital identity platforms.
These systems have been praised for improving service delivery, reducing fraud, and enabling digital economies.
Experts say privacy-first design and data ownership will be key as digital ID systems grow. With Trident’s blockchain architecture and secure onboarding tools, DRCPass aims to set a new benchmark for secure, scalable digital identification across the continent.
As digital identity becomes essential for development, the DRC’s bold step with Trident signals its intent to lead, not follow, in Africa’s tech transformation.