Singapore-based technology company Trident Digital Tech Holdings has entered into a public-private partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to implement a nationwide digital identity system. The agreement, signed in June 2025, will deploy the “DRC Pass” system to serve 110 million citizens in one of Africa’s largest Web 3.0 digital identity initiatives. The development follows the DRC’s earlier modernization efforts, including the successful implementation of a biometric passport system that significantly improved the country’s identification infrastructure.
The DRC Pass system is built on Trident’s Tridentity blockchain platform and incorporates multiple key functionalities. These include biometric-blockchain SIM card registration for secure mobile subscriber identification, single-sign-on access to government and business services, digital payments capabilities, and centralized digital identity credentials that complement existing physical identification. The implementation of biometric SIM registration follows similar successful deployments in other African nations, such as South Africa’s nationwide biometric authentication system for mobile subscribers.
The system aims to reach the DRC’s more than 80 million mobile subscribers and expanding banked population. It uses electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) services to facilitate digital financial inclusion across the country, addressing similar challenges faced by other developing nations implementing comprehensive digital identity programs.
Implementation has begun with a phased rollout strategy, accompanied by public education initiatives to drive adoption across the DRC’s population centers. The approach mirrors successful digital ID deployments in other regions, where gradual implementation has proven crucial for widespread adoption.
At the Africa Singapore Business Forum 2025, Singapore’s Minister Grace Fu acknowledged the project’s scale, noting that it “serves 110 million citizens” while emphasizing the strategic importance of Singapore-Africa collaboration in digital transformation.
“We are proud of our partnership with the DRC government and appreciate Minister Fu’s recognition,” said Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Trident. “As we roll out the program nationwide, we trust that this significant work between Singapore and Africa will open even more doors between the nations.”
Minister Fu called on businesses to “be agile, bold, and ready to step into new markets and help shape Africa’s growth story, while expanding Singapore’s global footprint.”
The initiative supports Trident’s strategic goal to establish itself as a global leader in Web 3.0 enablement, with particular focus on secure digital infrastructure and optimized user experiences in high-growth markets like Southern Africa. The development is part of a broader trend of digital transformation across the continent, where nations are increasingly adopting blockchain and biometric technologies to strengthen their digital identity frameworks.
Sources: StockTitan News, Quiver Quant, DR Congo Business, Bernama
