Ethiopia’s ambitious journey toward a fully digital economy by 2030 is being driven by the National ID program, known as Fayda, according to the initiative's Executive Director, Yodahe Zemichael. Speaking to the national broadcaster EBC, Yodahe stated that the identity system has become an "irreplaceable" foundation for the country's strategic goals of inclusivity, service accessibility, and public trust.

The director explained that true inclusivity means ensuring that every level of the economy is captured within the digital fold. This approach is designed to empower cottage industries, micro-enterprises, and small businesses to scale their operations. For the nation's vast agricultural workforce, the digital ID acts as a gateway to essential credit facilities, which Yodahe noted is a critical factor in increasing overall crop production and productivity.

Beyond economic participation, the strategy aims to radically decentralize the delivery of state services. By leveraging the Fayda system, the government intends to bring administrative functions closer to the public, ensuring that citizens in the most remote districts can access the same level of service as those in the capital. This digital link between the state and its people is also intended to foster a new era of transparency and mutual trust in official transactions.

For rural communities, the impact of the National ID extends to the very basics of daily life. It is increasingly becoming the primary tool for farmers to secure agricultural inputs, manage tax obligations, and access health insurance. Furthermore, the system is being integrated into the social fabric by facilitating school enrollments for children and providing a pathway to formal banking.

Progress on the rollout is moving at a significant pace, with 30 million citizens already registered under the scheme. The government has set a rigorous deadline to achieve universal coverage, aiming to reach every Ethiopian within the next five years. Yodahe concluded that the 2030 vision is centered on creating a digital landscape where everyone, from high-stakes investors to roadside vendors, has an equal opportunity to thrive.