By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Ethiopia’s Fayda national
digital identity programme has been recognised as a Runner-Up in the Digital
Government category at the Digital@UNGA Awards 2026 in New York, highlighting
the country’s progress in building an inclusive digital ecosystem and digital
public infrastructure.
The recognition reflects the
growing impact of Ethiopia’s digital public infrastructure and the vision
behind Fayda, a trusted digital identity ecosystem designed to enable trusted
public services, support private-sector innovation and promote greater inclusion.
The recognition was
complemented by the selection of Fayda’s leadership as a Runner-Up in the
Leadership category at the 50-in-5 Awards, organised by the Digital Public
Goods Alliance.
The leadership recognition
acknowledges the commitment and contribution to Ethiopia’s digital public
infrastructure journey and comes as the country advances its broader
DigitalEthiopia agenda.
Yodahe Zemichael, Chief
Executive Officer of FaydaVerse Digital Public Enterprise, said the
recognitions reflected Ethiopia’s whole-of-government commitment to digital
transformation and the collective efforts of government institutions,
development partners, the private sector and teams advancing the national
digital vision.
He congratulated the
FaydaVerse Digital Solutions Enterprise team, government partners and others
contributing to Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey.
Zemichael also congratulated
the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and Diia on winning the
Digital Government Award, as well as Minister Esther Dweck of Brazil’s Ministry
of Management and Innovation in Public Services on receiving the Leadership
Award at the 50-in-5 Awards.
He extended congratulations
to all finalists and runners-up in the respective awards.
The recognitions highlight
the growing role of digital technologies in transforming public services,
strengthening inclusion and supporting the development of trusted digital
societies globally.
Ethiopia, Zemichael said,
looks forward to building further on the momentum generated by the recognitions
as it continues its digital transformation journey.
