Ethiopia has rolled out the FaydaPass digital ID wallet to improve financial inclusion and digital access, with Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) becoming the first bank to integrate the service.

Developed by the National ID Program (NIDP) with support from TECH5 and Visa, the FaydaPass wallet allows users to request a secure digital ID credential via a mobile app.

The credential, drawn from the national Fayda ID system, enables verified electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) processes and grants access to services such as digital banking and government portals.

“A credential wallet would be a container for government and private sector issued standardized verifiable credentials. It's an exciting new way of delivering value to citizens and extending the functionality of Fayda Digital ID,” said NIDP Executive Director Yodahe Zemichael.

Coopbank is the first institution to adopt the technology, allowing new account openings and immediate access to a virtual Visa card using biometric verification.

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“As a bank committed to digitization and financial inclusion—the two core passions of our bank—our collaboration on this remarkable platform enables us to reach financially marginalized communities... As it allows us to live our purpose of Empowering Communities and Transforming Lives, we are truly delighted to take part in this impactful initiative,” said Coopbank CEO Deribie Asfaw.

TECH5 provided key components of the infrastructure, including the KeyShare digital wallet, contactless biometric capture, and identity matching tools.

“We are proud to partner on a solution that empowers Ethiopia, unlocking numerous use cases for its citizens,” said Rahul Parthe, TECH5 Co-Founder, Chairman, and CTO.

Visa, working alongside Coopbank, has delivered the digital payments backbone for the new system.

“We are thrilled to support the launch of the Fayda Wallet... By leveraging advanced biometric eKYC verification, we are paving the way for secure and seamless financial services that will benefit millions of Ethiopians,” said Yared Endale, Visa’s Cluster Head for Eastern Africa and Country Manager – Ethiopia.

For citizens without smartphones, the system offers "custodian" wallets managed by authorised agents using biometric identification.

The FaydaPass digital wallet will be officially introduced during the 2025 ID4Africa conference, scheduled for 20–23 May in Addis Ababa.