World Bank and Accenture Publish Report to Assist Developing Nations to Create World-Class Identity Management Programs

September 28, 2015

World Bank and Accenture Publish Report to Assist Developing Nations to Create World-Class Identity Management Programs

Washington D.C.; Sept. 28, 2015 – By gradually moving away from using different identity systems for different purposes and by using standard requirements and technologies that allow those existing systems to connect to each other, developing nations can start reaping the benefits of universal ID, said a new report from the World Bank and Accenture. Currently, over 1.8 billion adults in developing countries still lack an official ID and thus access to essential services

The report titled; Identification for Development - Integration Approach (ID4D) identifies a comprehensive strategy and implementation roadmap for developing nations seeking to build, or expand citizen identity programs, regardless of their country’s level of technology infrastructure. The study is being released for input from policymakers, industry practitioners and civil society at the annual e-ID conference.

Randeep Sudan, World Bank Practice Manager for Information and Communication Technologies, Transport and ICT Global Practice at World Bank said; “Hundreds of millions of people worldwide lack any proof of identity, barring them from receiving vital services such as healthcare, social benefits, financial services and access to voting. Unfortunately, developing countries frequently invest in identity systems that are disconnected and lack interoperability.”

“These challenges can however be overcome through increased collaboration, co-operation between countries and the use of new technologies that can help governments establish unique identities for their residents and manage national identity programs. Identity management programs should focus on poor and disadvantaged people who will benefit most from having their identities verified, and the services they need delivered regularly and speedily.”

The report aims to guide developing nations when conceptualizing, designing and planning the implementation of national identity management programs, which are integrated, scalable and secure, and which can produce large administrative savings for citizens, government and businesses. The report benchmarks the identity programs of 15 developing countries against other world-class identity management systems, providing an analysis of existing registries, legal frameworks, processes and program challenges.

“The World Bank seeks to establish a standardized integration approach for countries considering cost efficient identity management initiatives, which ensure accuracy and minimize identity duplications and errors. Accenture Development Partnerships recognizes the important contribution Accenture can make to the ID4D program, by deploying the skills and expertise of our employees to help progress thinking and guide developing nations on best practice national identity programs,” said Daniel Baker , Americas lead, Accenture Development Partnerships.

Providing legal identity for all people by 2030 is a target shared by the international community as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (target 16.9). The World Bank launched the Identification for Development (ID4D) program to help client countries achieve this goal, with the vision of making every person count by ensuring for each a unique legal identity while supporting government delivery of digital Identity-based services.

Ger Daly, Senior Managing Director, Accenture Identity Services said; “Accenture’s extensive experience delivering biometric and identity management programs for governments, NGO’s and private clients worldwide, enabled us to quickly identify accurate, convenient and cost-effective identity management solutions for governments to consider. This work is important to Accenture, and our employees – it truly is work that matters, enabling us to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.”

Learn more about Accenture Development Partnerships, Accenture’s work with the World Bank, and Delivering Public Service for the Future.

About the World Bank

The World Bank plays a key role in the global effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in poor and middle-income countries. We offer financing, policy advice, research and analysis, and technical assistance to help countries address the most urgent challenges of development. Comprising the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association, we work closely with other World Bank Group institutions and a wide array of partners in more than 170 member countries. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.