• Benin issued 10.5 million digital civil status and identity documents in 2025.
• Online and remote channels handled 75% of all identification procedures.
• Digital identity services reached 4 million citizens through ANIP operations.

In 2025, the National Agency for the Identification of Persons served 4 million citizens and issued 10.5 million civil status and identity documents in Benin. The agency released the data on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Online and remote channels accounted for 75% of all recorded procedures. The figure highlighted the growing role of digital tools in access to identification services.

The digital transformation relied on multiple access channels. Citizens submitted 37% of requests through eservices.anip.bj. Users submitted 30% of requests through the ANIP BJ mobile application. Users submitted 8% of requests through the USSD service. Physical service counters handled the remaining 25% of requests.

The agency strengthened operational security across platforms. GSM operators processed 3.8 million authentication requests. The system performed 25 million electronic identity checks, or eKYC verifications. These measures supported data reliability and system integrity.

The program forms part of a broader digital transformation agenda launched in 2018. Benin gradually introduced digital public services to modernize administration, improve transparency, and strengthen proximity with citizens.

Digital civil status and identity documents represent a central pillar of this strategy. The system plays a critical role in facilitating access to social and economic services.

ANIP supports the national objective of universal digital public services. Benin deployed several government platforms covering tax declarations, health procedures, and administrative formalities.

These platforms promote service interoperability and data centralization. Authorities aim to improve governance, process traceability, and citizen satisfaction while supporting economic efficiency.

For 2026, ANIP plans to continue registration and document issuance. The agency places particular emphasis on rural areas that remain underserved.

Citizens will access a broad range of services online. These services include birth certificates, residence certificates, certificates of custom and single status, personal identification certificates, and the biometric national identity card.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM