A consortium led by Thales, a French IT company, has snagged a 10-year deal to upgrade Mauritius’ national ID system with cutting-edge digital identity tech.
Thales will roll out a modular identity management system, complete with digital ID cards that feature a high-res photo, barcode, electronic chip, and a digital ID wallet for secure document storage and sharing.
This digital ID wallet will be a first in Africa, designed to be interoperable based on ISO standards. Initially, it’ll store digital versions of ID cards, with plans to add marriage and birth certificates later on.
The new ID system aims to simplify interactions with public entities and service providers like banks and retailers, making identity verification easier. The wallet will also support digital signatures.
Thales assures that strong data privacy and consent mechanisms are in place, giving individuals control over their info. Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, announced that the country is committed to independent security audits to meet Data Protection Act standards.
Additionally, self-service kiosks will be set up for users to update their digital ID info and manage PIN codes. This project, in partnership with local IT firm Harel Mallac Technologies, positions Mauritius as a leader in advanced identity solutions, blending traditional ID cards with digital identity.
Source
techpoint.africa
