Linda Kea Moreotsene

IDEMIA Smart Identity have announced the launch of a multi-channel marketing campaign today, joining other industry leaders in raising awareness for International Identity Day.

The purpose of establishing September 16 as International Identity Day is to underline the fundamental importance of identity. The day is highly symbolic, as it aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims to provide a legal identity for everyone by 2030.  Having a legal identity, therefore, is not merely an essential requirement of transacting today, it is also a human right, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAAIA) says.

This year, the day’s theme, celebrating the right to be visible, especially serves as a reminder of the hundreds of millions who lack the means to establish their identity.

Legal identity enables people to access basic government services, employment, education, financial services and more.

According to SAAIA, Africa accounts for over 60% of the 850 million who do not have legal identity. More than 540 million people on the continent do not possess a legal identity.

--ChannelAfrica--