The National Identification Authority (NIDA) has been directed to further strengthen its systems and exercise greater diligence in the processing and protection of citizens’ personal data to effectively support Tanzania’s digital economy transformation.
The directive was issued by the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr George Simbachawene (MP), during his recent visit to NIDA headquarters in Dar es Salaam, where he underscored the institution’s strategic importance in the country’s economic planning and digital governance agenda.
Mr Simbachawene said NIDA plays a central role in the digital economy revolution, which relies heavily on accurate and reliable data to enable effective economic planning, service delivery and decision-making.
“NIDA is a critical institution in the digital economy drive because the entire system depends on credible and trustworthy data for the proper organisation of the national economy,” he said.
He noted that the authority has been entrusted with the responsibility of registering and identifying all people living in Tanzania and ensuring their information is kept accurate, secure and protected at all times, adding that the credibility of national databases is essential for public trust and institutional efficiency.
The minister commended NIDA for innovations introduced through the National Identification Card, saying the card has the potential to function as a financial instrument while serving as a gateway for accessing multiple services.
He said NIDA’s system is currently integrated with 137 public and private institutions, enabling seamless verification of identity and simplifying access to services for citizens.
Such integration, he said, reduces duplication, cuts administrative costs and improves efficiency across government and the private sector.
Mr Simbachawene also urged citizens to provide correct information during registration to avoid unnecessary data corrections, which can affect system efficiency and delay service delivery. He stressed that data accuracy remains a cornerstone of a reliable national identity system.
Accurate personal information, he added, allows citizens to access essential economic and social services, including opening bank accounts, obtaining loans, registering businesses, accessing healthcare, enrolling in education at various levels and securing employment.
NIDA currently operates 154 offices across all districts nationwide and continues to expand its outreach by taking registration services closer to communities.
Through special mobile registration exercises, NIDA teams are reaching citizens at ward and village levels to ensure wider inclusion in the national identification system.
The government maintains that a strong, secure and inclusive national identity system is vital to the success of Tanzania’s digital economy agenda and broader socio-economic development goals.