IriShield-USB BK2121U Powers Ethiopia’s Digital ID for 90 Million Citizens

IriTech’s IriShield-USB BK2121U, a globally proven iris scanner device, has been selected as the core biometric technology for Ethiopia’s Fayda Digital ID System, a $350 million project funded by the World Bank. The device is already operating successfully, enabling secure biometric enrollment and authentication for millions of citizens.

With 8.2 million registrations completed and 2.4 million authentications achieved to date, the project is laying the foundation for an inclusive and secure digital identity ecosystem that will cover 90 million citizens by 2029.

Project Achievements & Goals

• Current Results: 8.2 million registrations, 2.4 million authentications completed
• 2025 Target: 70 million digital IDs to be issued
• Final Goal: Registration of 90 million people (90% of population) by 2029

This large-scale program is one of Africa’s most ambitious government digital transformation initiatives, designed to improve financial inclusion, public services, and secure identity verification.

IriShield-USB BK2121U : Core Technology for Digital ID

Security

• Secure On-board Processing: Iris capture, recognition, encryption, and digital signature executed in a secure on-device environment

• 2048-bit RSA key generation for data protection and secure communications

• NIST-tested, highly accurate iris recognition algorithm

• STQC certified for global compliance and trust

Practicality

• Cost-effective design optimized for large-scale national ID projects

• Ultra-compact and lightweight, adaptable to both field and office environments

• Power management functions ensuring stable long-term operation

• FREE SDK provided, reducing integration and development costs

Compatibility

• USB interface for easy connection

• Multi-OS support: Android, Windows, WinCE, Linux, eLinux, Mac

• Internal storage for up to 1,000 iris templates (500 identities)

Globally Proven Iris Recognition Technology

The Ethiopia Digital ID project builds on IriTech’s successful track record:

• Philippines: Supported 88 million registrations for the national ID system

• Madagascar: Supplied 2,000 devices for identity enrollment

• Other countries worldwide: Partnered with governments to implement secure biometric identity solutions

These achievements reaffirm IriTech’s leadership as a trusted partner in digital transformation for governments, banks, and enterprises worldwide.

Why choose IriTech?

Ethiopia’s Fayda Digital ID program required a biometric solution that was:

• Secure enough to protect sensitive citizen data

• Scalable to handle tens of millions of registrations

• Cost-effective for nationwide deployment

• Proven in other national ID projects

IriTech’s IriShield-USB BK2121U delivered on all these requirements, ensuring Ethiopia’s digital identity system is built on trust, accuracy, and global best practices.

With the IriShield-USB BK2121U, Ethiopia is making remarkable progress toward its goal of issuing 90 million digital IDs by 2029. As a trusted global leader in iris recognition technology, IriTech continues to support government digital transformation projects that enhance inclusion, security, and service delivery worldwide.

Read more at Biometric Update.

About IriTech

IriTech, Inc. is a U.S. corporation founded in March, 2000 headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia with regional offices in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, India, has grown to be the world leader in human identification by iris recognition technology.

IriTech’s unique and patented iris recognition algorithm is the foundation of highly acclaimed, world-leading technology that contributes to the security and safety of humankind. With more than 25 years in the industry, IriTech’s iris solutions have been trusted by many large-scale governments, NGO and commercial projects. We aim to provide cost-effective yet powerful solutions for system integrators in myriads of applications including national ID, border control, law enforcement, healthcare, education, finance and mobile.

We were top ranked by the US government’s NIST for accuracy, interoperability and enrollment. Our iris recognition technology has also achieved international (ISO) Standards, US (ANSI) and RTIC Standard. Furthermore, we are THE 1ST company to offer iris recognition under direct sunlight, which helps to reduce reflections in the eye.