National ID Programme Expands Opportunity for Millions

Millions of people in Benin now have easier access to education, banking and essential services after a national identification programme helped make legal identity available to nearly the entire population.

“We allow everyone to access socioeconomic services, open an account, and own a mobile phone,” said Aristide Adjinacou, Director General of the Agency for the Identification of Persons (ANIP). “We achieve this thanks to our talents, the national ecosystem, and our partners.”

The “C’est Moi” card has enabled children to remain in school, entrepreneurs to access loans and citizens to participate more fully in the formal economy. As of May 2025, more than 7.7 million people had received a Personal Identification Number, and over 6.1 million certificates had been issued free of charge. Nearly 99% of the population is now biometrically enrolled, a significant change from a few years ago when around a quarter of people lacked a birth certificate. The initiative also supports social protection programmes and economic inclusion, helping more people open bank accounts, register businesses and secure formal employment.