Fiji has taken a significant step forward in its National Digital ID initiative after hosting an inception workshop that gathered key stakeholders to establish a timeline for project completion. The event, attended by representatives from government ministries, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with participants from commercial banks and the private sector, focused on laying the groundwork for this ambitious digital transformation.
According to Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, the primary objective of the National Digital ID project is to build a secure and scalable national database that enhances identification processes. Ali emphasized that the system would not only strengthen security but also ensure inclusivity, allowing citizens from remote and maritime regions, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), better access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Ali further explained that the benefits of this project extend beyond mere identification. “The National Digital ID will foster a more inclusive society by enabling greater access to services and economic opportunities, particularly for underserved populations in rural and maritime areas,” Ali remarked. “This initiative will also contribute to improving Fiji’s resilience against natural disasters and support sustainable development, particularly in achieving our environmental goals through enhanced policy-making and data access.”
The inception workshop resulted in the establishment of a projected timeline, with the project expected to take at least 36 months for completion. It was agreed that stakeholders would collaborate to form a project team, develop governance frameworks, and devise a comprehensive communication strategy. Once these structures are in place, the next phase will involve drafting the enabling legislation for the digital ID system.
Fiji’s National Digital ID initiative is benefiting from the expertise of the Asian Development Bank, which has significant experience in implementing similar programs worldwide. During the workshop, ADB shared insights and best practices from other successful digital ID systems, offering valuable guidance for the Fijian project. A feasibility study for the project had previously been conducted by the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, further laying the foundation for its implementation.
The Fijian cabinet gave its approval for the National Digital ID program earlier this year, with the project officially commencing with the development of an electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) system for the Reserve Bank of Fiji. This eKYC system aims to simplify the customer onboarding and verification processes, making it easier for individuals and businesses to engage with the financial system. Additionally, the government has already developed mobile applications such as “Government Directory” and “myFeedback” to streamline access to public services, demonstrating its commitment to digital transformation. Fiji’s digital transformation efforts also extend beyond national borders. The country has partnered with Japan’s Digital Government Agency to enhance its broader digital governance strategy. A key aspect of this collaboration is the implementation of a border management program in conjunction with neighboring nations Palau and Vanuatu. The program is designed to facilitate cross-border travel and financial transactions through data interoperability and enhanced inter-agency cooperation. This initiative is expected to strengthen regional cooperation while improving the efficiency and security of travel and trade in the Pacific region.
In addition to these partnerships, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has expressed its support for the National Digital ID initiative, which falls under Fiji’s broader National Border Security Upgrade Priorities for 2023 to 2028. This alignment reflects the country’s strategic focus on upgrading its border security capabilities while simultaneously advancing its digital transformation goals. The National Digital ID project also complements a separate UNDP initiative aimed at empowering civil society organizations across the Pacific to use digital tools to access both public and private sector services.
With strong backing from international organizations and key stakeholders, Fiji’s National Digital ID project is poised to transform the country’s digital infrastructure, providing citizens with more equitable access to services while boosting national security and resilience. As the project moves forward, Fiji will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure that it meets the ambitious goals of digital inclusion, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development.
