In 2014, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government endorsed the machine-readable ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) as the official travel document to replace the previous hand-written ECOWAS Travel Certificate. This transition was aimed at enhancing safe, secure, and well-organized intra-regional mobility within the ECOWAS region.
To promote the ENBIC and facilitate its successful implementation, the ECOWAS Commission initiated advocacy and sensitization campaigns in Member States. These campaigns were aimed at both Community Citizens and Border Officials to educate them about the functionalities and advantages of the Biometric Card. Consequently, six countries have now completed the full deployment of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card. These countries, in order of their implementation, include Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.
The Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration has initiated a fresh sensitization initiative with the primary objective of improving awareness regarding free movement and migration within the ECOWAS region. This campaign also aims to outline the advantages and opportunities associated with the ECOWAS integration agenda. Furthermore, it intends to encourage Member States to accelerate the deployment and issuance of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card and support existing advocacy initiatives to ensure a sustained reduction of irregular migration cases among others.
On June 11th, 2024, a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission conducted an advocacy and sensitization mission in Praia, Cabo Verde. During this mission, the delegation engaged with representatives from Registry, Notary, and Identification of the Ministry of Justice as well as members of the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders from the National Police of Cabo Verde under the Ministry of Internal Administration.
Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration and leader of the delegation represented Commissioner Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. The primary objective of this mission was to assess progress made by Cabo Verdean authorities towards deploying ENBIC.
Mr. Juvenal Pereira, President of the Implementation Team for Cabo Verde's National Civil Identification and Authentication System informed that his country already possesses a functioning national identification card system but noted that aligning with ENBIC standards would require a legal review process. “However,” he added, “the ultimate decision to adopt ENBIC is political,” expressing confidence that should such a decision be made his team would work diligently towards convergence with ENBIC standards.
The Director reiterated their goal urging Cabo Verdean authorities to commence deployment within their country while emphasizing boosting recognition from Member States that have successfully implemented ENBIC. He pointed out that Cabo Verde is a signatory to adopting this biometric ID card system.
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