Moses Kwesi Baiden Jr., Kwesi Baiden, Abdoulie Sanyang and Matar Ceesay, holding a sample of The Gambia National ID Card
Africa’s leading provider of secure national and digital identification solutions, Margins ID Group, has secured a contract to design, build, finance, co-operate and transfer a National ID System and an Integrated Digital ID System for the government of The Gambia.
The landmark agreement, signed on January 19, 2026, represents a defining milestone not only for the company, but for Ghana and the broader African technology ecosystem.
“This achievement reflects a new chapter where African technology is designed, trusted and deployed across Africa,” the Group said.
The tender process, which commenced on Monday July 22, 2024, attracted 11 international companies, reflecting strong global interest in the project. Following a comprehensive technical and financial evaluation, three firms were shortlisted, with Margins ID Group emerging as the successful bidder based on superior technical design, competitive advantage, and proven delivery capacity.
“This contract is a defining moment for African digital identity innovation,” said Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Baiden Jnr. described the agreement as a historic milestone and underscored the role of a national identification system as core national infrastructure that underpins governance and access to services.
“This is a historic milestone,” Mr. Baiden Jnr. said. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of The Gambia for the trust they have placed in us.”
Mr. Baiden Jnr. emphasised that the system being deployed in The Gambia represents an evolution informed by experience, not a replication.
“What we are doing here in The Gambia is not a replication of any regional system,” he said. “It incorporates evolved architecture and enhanced security controls. We have taken the lessons learned from Ghana and built an even stronger, more seamless national identification ecosystem for The Gambia.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior for the Gambia, Matar Ceesay, noted that the project had been under development for an extended period and had involved a whole-of-government approach.
“This is something that has been in the works for a while,” he said. “That is why government institutions across the board have been involved and have carried out their respective due diligence.”
He added that The Gambia is looking forward to a tailored solution.
Referencing Ghana’s experience, the Minister expressed confidence in the partnership.
“The Ghana Card system is an example for Africa,” he said. “Margins has done good work, and we are hopeful that this time, we have gotten it right.”
He emphasised the importance of capacity-building and commitment.
“Knowledge transfer is very important to us,” the Minister said. “The Government is fully invested in making this project successful.”
The implementation of the new identification system will modernise governance in The Gambia, enhance service delivery, and strengthen data protection and privacy for citizens. It will simplify access to healthcare, financial services, education, and digital public services, while establishing a robust foundation for e-government services, interoperability, and sustainable economic growth.
The project stands as a powerful example of Africa-to-Africa collaboration and aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, reinforcing regional integration and the ability of African enterprises to compete successfully on merit.
A Daily Guide Report