Name
Global FinTech Guide
Country Name
United Rep of Tanzania
SectionTitle
Identification
Body
FinTechs belonging to this category provide identification services, which are required for most banking services.

Introduction

Attitude of the country towards identification services

Identification services in Tanzania are only done by the government through the National Identification Authority (“NIDA”), who is the regulator. Currently, the country is undergoing a change and every citizen and resident is required to obtain the National Identity Card. Without this card, one cannot own a sim card or open or operate a bank account. A person receives a 20-digit number called National Identification Number. This is linked to a single set of biometric attributes of that person that cannot be altered in any way. An automated fingerprint identification system is used to avoid duplicating. The processed information is stored in a data centre that connects to all district registration offices, via the national ICT broadband backbone.

The identification and registration process is still ongoing, with about 74% of the eligible population registered.

The reservation is an important aspect that is overlooked; there is a lack of a clear and sufficient rights protection and redress system. On the one hand, the laws have neither rules nor procedures for an individual to enforce their rights, specifically rights to data protection and privacy. On the other hand, the laws protect NIDA officials from prosecution in case of mishandling of data. In addition, Tanzania has no comprehensive data protection law or framework. This leaves individuals with no recourse in case of violation of rights.

Legal affairs

Obligations and requirements to provide identification services

Only one Authority provides identification services in Tanzania. That is the National Identification Authority.

Additional comments regarding the legal situation for identification services or what FinTech’s must be aware of in this business area

N/A.

Economic conditions

Market size for identification services and biggest companies in this business area

It is a monopoly market.

Additional comments regarding the economic situation for identification services or what FinTech’s must be aware of in this business area

N/A.

Authors

Disclaimer

© 2022, Hilton Law Group. All rights reserved by Hilton Law Group as author and the owner of the copyright in this chapter. Hilton Law Group has granted to Multilaw non-exclusive worldwide license to use and include this chapter in this guide and to sublicense Lexis Nexis, a division of RELX Inc. and its affiliates certain rights to use and distribute this guide.

The information in this guide provides a general overview at the time of publication and is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal developments nor should it be taken as opinion or legal advice on the matters covered. It is for general information purposes only and readers should take legal advice from a Multilaw member firm.

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