Biometric Data Collection Begins In Madagascar

Madagascar has begun collecting citizens’ biometric data as the first operational step toward issuing new digital identity cards under the Civil Registration and Identification Reform (RECI) programme, implemented with support from the World Bank. Enrolment centres have opened in parts of the capital, Antananarivo, including a site at the University of Antananarivo, where residents aged 18 and over can register.

During enrolment, officials capture biographic details (first and last name, year and place of birth) alongside biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, a facial photograph and a retinal image. The objective is to create a trusted digital identity record for each registrant and assign a unique identification number that can later be used to produce the physical/digital ID credential.