Speaker
Description
Abidemi, S. I.
Computer Science Department, Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State
salmonia@fceiwo.edu.ng
Track: Inclusion, Equity and Digital Access
Isiaka A. Salmon, PhD
salmonia@fceiwo.edu.ng
Computer Science Department, Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
Abstract
Digital identity systems have emerged as a cornerstone of Africa's e-governance, financial inclusion, and development agenda. Yet the rapid deployment of national identification infrastructure across the continent has outpaced the formulation of robust governance frameworks and the implementation of adequate security controls. This paper examines the governance and security implications of digital identity systems across six purposively selected African countries: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Guided by two study objectives, the paper investigates (1) the adequacy of governance frameworks regulating digital identity systems in terms of legal architecture, institutional capacity, and interoperability, and (2) the security vulnerabilities inherent in these systems alongside the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies. Using a qualitative-interpretive comparative case study methodology anchored in Institutional Theory and Sociotechnical Systems Theory, the analysis draws on legislative texts, policy documents, cybersecurity audit reports, and peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2026. Findings reveal significant legislative fragmentation, weak enforcement capacity, and an underdeveloped pan-African interoperability architecture. Security risks are endemic across infrastructure, application, data, and user layers. The paper concludes by proposing the African Digital Identity Governance and Security (ADIGS) Framework as an integrative model for policy reform and institutional capacity-building.
Keywords: digital identity, cybersecurity governance, Africa, biometric systems, data protection, ADIGS framework