The H1 2023 State of KYC in Africa report, released by Smile ID, has commended the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana for its remarkable progress in implementing the Ghana Card. Smile ID, a leading provider of identity verification solutions in Africa, recognizes the NIA as a prominent exemplar in the continent for its efforts to provide identification to citizens and residents. This is a crucial step towards safeguarding their fundamental human rights and ensuring access to various amenities such as financial services, healthcare, and government assistance.
According to the report, the NIA has achieved significant milestones by enrolling over 17.4 million Ghanaians above the age of 15, which constitutes more than 87 percent of the country’s adult population. Notably, the NIA has also announced plans to extend the age requirements for enrollment, making it possible to register newborns. This inclusive approach to identity verification highlights Ghana’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive and accessible system.
The State of KYC in Africa report delves into several aspects of identity verification with a focus on biometric authentication, liveliness checks, and anti-spoof technologies. These measures play a vital role in combating fraudulent activities, especially as fraudsters continually adapt their methods. The report reveals that a substantial portion of detected fraud cases involved individuals using stolen IDs or attempting to spoof the ID owner’s face using a picture or video.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on various subjects within the African KYC compliance ecosystem. It underscores the rise of gender inclusion efforts across Africa, providing equitable access to identity verification for all individuals. Additionally, the report offers KYC compliance tips for thirteen countries, highlighting the best practices and strategies in each region. It also explores trends in fraud across different industries, such as payment systems, cryptocurrencies, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platforms, and remittances.
One notable finding of the report is the remarkable reduction in onboarding fraud attempts across Africa. The rate dropped from 28 percent in 2022 to 23 percent in the first half of 2023. This decline can be attributed to a decrease in marketing promotions, which have been identified as triggers for fraudulent activities. By implementing biometric authentication measures, organizations can significantly reduce fraudulent attempts by up to 50 percent.
The State of KYC report by Smile ID is a comprehensive resource that showcases the advancements made in digital identification across Africa. It emphasizes the critical role of identity verification in enabling individuals to access essential services and prevent fraudulent activities. With Ghana’s NIA at the forefront of progress, the continent is paving the way for effective and inclusive identification systems.