During a recent conversation with a tech founder from Norway, she shared a harrowing experience from the COVID-19 pandemic. After being robbed of her phone and a chip containing critical codes for her bank ID and digital identity, she found herself locked out of government services in Norway for over nine months. “I faced hurdle after hurdle trying to regain access—everything from taxes to my health ID and banking. I couldn’t even access my own money. This made me realise that this isn’t just a problem in Uganda, Nigeria, or South Africa,” she said.
Her story highlights a profound truth: identity access is more than a digital convenience; it’s the bedrock that enables individuals to engage fully with society and access essential services. For many, proving who they are remains a significant barrier to participating in everyday life. Millions are effectively locked out of vital services, unable to protect their rights or seize opportunities.
For 17 years, Seamfix has been committed to making identity accessible to all, particularly for marginalised communities. This mission aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasise the importance of legal identity for everyone by 2030.
The Benefits of Democratizing Identity Access
Unlocking Economic Opportunities
Having a digital identity opens up a world of opportunities, enabling people to access financial services, employment, and credit. For instance, through our collaboration with MTN on the Biosmart SIM registration, we processed over 70 million biometric registrations, providing millions of Nigerians with verified identities linked to their mobile numbers. This not only enhanced telecom security but also facilitated access to mobile financial services, paving the way for greater financial inclusion.
Enhancing Access to Basic Services
Digital identity plays a crucial role in improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. Our work enrolling millions into Nigeria’s National Identity Number (NIN) system has significantly improved individuals’ ability to access government services and healthcare. By streamlining these processes, we’ve minimized fraud and ensured that benefits reach those who need them most.
Empowering Individuals with Legal Recognition
A legal identity is more than just documentation; it’s the key to asserting one’s rights. With Seamfix Verify, we’ve helped over 400 million individuals verify their identities, opening doors to vital services. This is particularly important in regions with weak civil registration systems, as it empowers people to claim their rights and access the resources necessary for their well-being.
Strengthening Community Trust and Security
When individuals have trusted identities, communities become stronger, and interactions are safer. For example, with Airtel Nigeria’s SIM registration solution, we processed over 40 million biometric registrations, linking identities to phone numbers. This initiative has enhanced security in mobile communications and reduced fraud, fostering trust and transparency in both mobile and financial services.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Identity Access
At Seamfix, we firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their background or location, should have equal access to opportunities. Every solution we develop—from Seamfix Verify to mobile NIN enrollment to biometric consent—is designed to bridge the identity gap and empower underserved communities.
Whether facilitating digital identity verification or providing mobile access to government services, our mission is clear: to make identity access simple, secure, and universal for all.
This commitment has been strengthened by our recent $4.5 million investment from Alithea Capital, enabling us to expand our reach to more African countries. With this support, we’re intensifying our efforts for digital inclusion, ensuring that even more individuals can access the opportunities they deserve.
As our CEO, Chimezie Emewulu, articulates:
“We envision a future where access to identity is no longer a barrier but a bridge—empowering individuals, wherever they are, to unlock opportunities that can change their lives.”
Our ongoing work across Africa embodies this vision, driving us to make identity access a reality for millions. Our mission extends beyond technology; it’s about fostering a more equitable world, one identity at a time.
Together, we can dismantle the barriers that hinder progress and create a future where identity access is a universal right, empowering individuals and transforming lives across Africa and beyond.
