Tiémoko Meyliet Koné has called on African states to make firm commitments toward developing digital identity systems as tools for inclusion and sustainable development.
He made the statement on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Parc des Expositions d'Abidjan in Port-Bouët during the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual General Assembly of ID4Africa, held under the theme: “Digital Identity: From Digital Public Infrastructure to Digital Public Ecosystems.”
“Africa today possesses all the necessary tools to design innovative identity systems adapted to its own realities,” Tiémoko Meyliet Koné stated. He explained that the gathering reflects the need to move beyond isolated digital identity systems and establish more integrated mechanisms that are mutually beneficial for both citizens and governments.
According to the Vice President, without reliable identification systems, it becomes difficult to secure transactions and build modern economies based on transparency and credibility.
“This vision of digital identity will allow our states to better guide their actions through a more accurate understanding of populations and their needs. It will provide better prospects for managing demographic challenges while enabling more effective targeting of economic and social policies,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that cooperation between African states must remain central to these systems.
“Cooperation is essential to facilitate mobility, secure resources, and support the momentum of regional integration. To achieve this, systems must be able to connect and interact efficiently in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment,” he added.
Tiémoko Meyliet Koné also emphasized that this long-term approach requires the development of solutions adapted to African realities, backed by strong institutions and reliable archiving mechanisms to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
According to him, this new vision of digital identity also represents a strategic lever for more balanced territorial planning, in synergy with the development of regional economic hubs and infrastructure projects to better manage urban growth.
Delegations from several African countries and other parts of the world are participating in the event organized by ID4Africa and the Ivorian Ministry of Interior and Security through the Office national de l'état civil et de l'Identification (ONECI).
Founded in 2014, ID4Africa “Identity for All in Africa” supports African nations by providing reliable, context-specific knowledge needed to design, develop, and manage public identity infrastructure systems.