Margins ID Group, a Ghanaian technology firm and Africa’s leading provider of secure national and digital identification solutions, has signed a major international contract to develop a National Identification System and an Integrated Digital ID System for the Government of The Gambia.
The agreement, signed on Monday, 19 January 2026, marks a historic milestone for the company, making it the first African-owned firm to export a full-scale national identification system beyond its home market. The deal underscores Africa’s growing capacity to design, implement, and operate world-class technology solutions that meet the continent’s development needs.
In a statement, the company said, “This achievement reflects a new chapter in which African technology is designed, trusted, and deployed across Africa.”
The contract follows a competitive international tender that began on 22 July 2024, which attracted 11 global firms. After rigorous technical and financial evaluations, Margins ID Group emerged as the preferred bidder, based on its innovative design, proven delivery record, and competitive approach.
As part of due diligence, delegations from The Gambia visited Intelligent Card Production Systems (ICPS), Margins’ secure card manufacturing facility in Ghana, and its technology subsidiary, Margins ID Systems Applications Limited, to assess operational capabilities. Officials also reviewed Ghana’s National Identification System, which Margins designed and operates in partnership with the National Identification Authority (NIA).
Margins ID Group CEO Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr described the contract as a defining moment for African innovation in digital identity.
“This is a historic milestone. We are deeply grateful to the Government of The Gambia for the trust it has placed in us,” he said.
He added that the system being deployed for The Gambia is an evolution of Ghana’s experience, tailored with enhanced security features to promote inclusion, financial access, and continuous service delivery.
Officials from The Gambia, including Permanent Secretary Matar Ceesay and Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang, said the project represents a major step for the country’s governance, data protection, and service delivery, stressing that previous attempts to establish a national ID system had failed.
“We are looking forward to a custom solution for The Gambia, one that enhances security, delivers a trusted digital ID, and provides access for Gambians abroad,” Ceesay said.
The system is expected to modernise governance, improve access to healthcare, education, and financial services, and lay the foundation for e-government and sustainable economic growth. The project also highlights Africa-to-Africa collaboration and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.
Margins ID Group, headquartered in Accra, has more than 35 years of experience delivering secure identity solutions. Its Ghanaian operations have registered over 19.2 million citizens and integrated services across 262 public and private institutions, including banking, telecommunications, and healthcare.
Under Baiden’s leadership, the company has received multiple national and international awards for innovation, cybersecurity, and technical excellence, expanding its footprint across West Africa and positioning Ghana as a hub for advanced identity technology.
Credit:Asaase Radio