Accra, Jan. 21, GNA – Margins ID Group, Africa’s leading provider of secure national and digital identification systems, has secured an international contract to design, build, finance, operate and transfer a National Identification System and an Integrated Digital ID platform for the Government of The Gambia.
The agreement, signed on Monday, January 19, 2026, marked a major milestone for the Ghanaian technology firm and represented the first time an African-owned company has exported a full-scale national and digital identity ecosystem to another African country.
Margins ID Group said the development reflected “a new chapter where African technology is designed, trusted and deployed across Africa.”
The tender process, which began on July 22, 2024, attracted 11 international companies. After a comprehensive technical and financial evaluation, three firms were shortlisted, with Margins emerging the successful bidder based on technical design, competitive strength, and proven implementation capacity.
As part of the evaluation, Gambian government delegations visited Intelligent Card Production Systems (ICPS), Margins’ secure card manufacturing facility in Accra, and inspected the company’s technology subsidiary, Margins ID Systems Applications Limited.
The teams also reviewed the company’s compliance with international standards and observed live operations of Ghana’s National Identification System, built and operated by Margins in partnership with the National Identification Authority.
Mr. Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, described the agreement as a significant achievement for African digital identity innovation.
“This is a historic milestone,” he said at the signing ceremony. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of The Gambia for the trust they have placed in us.”
Mr. Baiden emphasised that the solution for The Gambia is not a replication of Ghana’s system, but one that incorporates enhanced security features and evolved architecture informed by years of operational experience.
“This will facilitate inclusion—including financial inclusion—lawful recognition, and continuous access to services,” he added.
Mr. Matar Ceesay, Permanent Secretary of the Gambian Ministry of Interior, said the project had undergone extensive review and had engaged all relevant government institutions.
“This is something that has been in the works for a while,” he said. “We have learned a lot from coming to Ghana several times, and we are impressed with what has been achieved here.”
He noted that The Gambia was looking forward to a customised national identification solution that would strengthen security and provide access for Gambians abroad.
The Gambian Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, described the signing as an important national moment.
“This is The Gambia’s third attempt at establishing a national identification system,” he said. “We got it wrong twice. This time, we looked at every single aspect to make sure there were no errors.”
He commended Ghana’s identification system, saying, “The Ghana Card system is an example for Africa.”
Senior officials at the ceremony included the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Seedy Muktar Touray; the Director General of Immigration, Mr. Ebrima Mboob; and officials from the Ministry of Digital Economy, Ministry of Justice, and the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships.
The new system is expected to modernise governance in The Gambia by enhancing service delivery, improving data protection and privacy, and enabling access to healthcare, financial services, education, and digital public services. It will also support e-government development and broader economic growth.
Margins ID Group, with over 35 years of experience, is the architect and operator of Ghana’s National Identification System, which supports key sectors including banking, telecommunications, healthcare and public administration. To date, 19.2 million Ghanaians aged 15 and above have been registered, with the system integrated across 262 institutions nationwide.
Under Mr. Baiden’s leadership, the Group has earned multiple regional and international awards for innovation, cybersecurity and technical excellence.
The agreement between Ghana’s Margins ID Group and the Government of The Gambia is expected to strengthen Africa‑to‑Africa cooperation and deepen regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade