Over 500 million Africans lack reliable identification, treating it as a privilege rather than a right. On National ID Day 2026, Seamfix, a digital identity infrastructure provider, urged governments, regulators, and businesses to address this gap by establishing trusted identity systems that enable secure access to essential services and full participation in the digital economy. The call followed Seamfix’s participation in the 8th National Day of Identity, held on September 16, 2026, organized by Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The event’s theme, “My Identity, My Shadow,” emphasized the need for identities that are consistently recognized across critical sectors, from banking to healthcare and government services, as highlighted by the World Bank’s estimate of 500 million unregistered Africans.
Seamfix has spent 19 years developing identity and digital trust infrastructure across Africa, contributing to the enrollment of over 130 million Nigerians into the National Identity database as a trusted partner of NIMC. The company also digitized Benin’s passport renewal process and delivered SIM registration compliance, identity verification, and digital registries for governments and enterprises, supporting over 350 million identities processed across the continent. Chimezie Emewulu, Seamfix’s Group Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Two decades of building identity infrastructure have shown us the consequences of failure and the benefits of success. Africa’s prosperity hinges on people’s ability to engage fully in the economy and society, which is why identity must be a right, not a privilege, and why we will continue building systems that make this right tangible.”
The company’s efforts underscore the challenges of fragmented identity systems, which hinder service delivery through inconsistent records, limited interoperability, and repeated verification requirements. These issues increase onboarding costs, delay access to essential services, and disproportionately affect remote and underserved communities. Frank Atube, Seamfix’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, explained, “Fragmentation isn’t about the number of verifications required but about whether systems trust each other. For those within the system, it means starting over repeatedly; for others, it means no identity at all. The solution lies in systems that verify accurately, protect data, and reach communities currently excluded.”
Atube emphasized that privacy and public trust must remain central as identity systems expand. Individuals should have clarity on how their data is collected, shared, and protected, alongside control over its use. Seamfix advocates for collaboration between governments, regulators, and private-sector entities to connect systems, strengthen data protection, and extend identity-enabled services to underserved populations. National ID Day 2026, the company argued, is an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s progress while recommitting to identity systems that serve people reliably throughout their lives.
Seamfix’s vision aligns with broader African efforts to bridge the identity gap, though challenges persist. The company’s work highlights the critical role of interoperable infrastructure in ensuring that identity is not a barrier to opportunity. Emewulu added, “Our commitment is to build the infrastructure that ensures identity is a right every person can exercise, not one reserved for those the system finds easiest to reach.”
The 2026 National Day of Identity event underscored the urgency of creating inclusive systems, with Seamfix positioning itself as a key player in this transformation. The company’s initiatives reflect a growing recognition that trusted identity frameworks are foundational to economic inclusion, social equity, and digital advancement across the continent. As Africa’s population continues to grow, the need for scalable, secure, and accessible identity solutions becomes increasingly vital.
Seamfix’s advocacy comes amid global discussions on digital governance and the role of private-sector innovation in public infrastructure. The company’s focus on expanding access to marginalized communities aligns with international goals to reduce inequality and promote sustainable development. With its 19 years of experience, Seamfix aims to set a benchmark for identity systems that prioritize both security and inclusivity, ensuring that no individual is left behind in the digital age.