The development of Fiji’s National Digital ID System has taken a significant step forward with the inaugural meeting of the National Identification (ID) Steering Committee in Suva on 26 February 2025. The initiative aims to establish a secure, unified, and inclusive identification system that will modernise access to essential services across the country.
The Steering Committee, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, and Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor, Ariff Ali, brings together key government figures to oversee the project’s implementation. The committee includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, Attorney-General Graham Leung, and Solicitor-General Ropate Lomavatu. Additional members will be co-opted as needed to support the project’s progress.
This meeting follows the National ID inception workshop held in October 2024, which set the foundation for the system’s development. The new ID will serve as a single proof of identity, simplifying verification processes and ensuring greater efficiency across multiple sectors, including healthcare, social welfare, banking, and education. The Steering Committee discussed how a national digital ID can enhance security, reduce fraud, and improve service delivery.
Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica emphasised that the National Digital ID will not only streamline access to essential services but also empower citizens by providing them with a reliable, secure, and standardised form of identification. He noted that its implementation would require cooperation across government agencies and private sector partners, with the Steering Committee providing the framework for collaboration.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga highlighted the role of digital IDs in reducing poverty and improving governance, pointing out that citizens often have to repeatedly provide physical identity documents. The digital ID system is expected to eliminate this inefficiency, ensuring that identity verification is more secure and convenient.
Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali described the project as a critical step towards modernising Fiji’s public services, stating that a universal National ID would enable greater financial inclusion and improve access to essential government and private sector services. He confirmed that the committee would meet regularly to ensure the project remains on track.
The Steering Committee has approved the governance structure for the project, including the establishment of working groups to oversee implementation, budget allocation, project timelines, and legislative drafting. Regular progress updates will be provided to the Fijian Cabinet, and engagement with key stakeholders will be prioritised to ensure a smooth rollout.
Experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are providing technical assistance, working alongside Fiji’s Permanent Secretaries for Finance, Trade, and Justice, as well as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, to refine the system’s framework. Studies by the McKinsey Global Institute suggest that countries with well-functioning digital ID systems can increase their economic potential by 3 to 13 percent, reinforcing the importance of this initiative in Fiji’s digital transformation strategy.
The National Digital ID System is expected to enhance trust in digital transactions, strengthen national security, and make everyday interactions more efficient for individuals and businesses. As the project advances, it will play a key role in positioning Fiji as a leader in digital infrastructure within the Pacific region.
