A recent report by SMILE ID, a leading provider of identity solutions in Africa, reveals that national ID fraud cases accounted for 27% of all identity document fraud incidents recorded on the continent in 2024. This alarming rise in fraud is attributed to the widespread use of national IDs as the primary form of identification across various sectors. Following national IDs, driver’s licenses were the second most frequently compromised identity documents, with a fraud rate of 24%. This high rate is linked to the common use of driver’s licenses in both formal and informal settings.
In contrast, passports, which are often viewed as more secure due to their stringent issuance protocols, exhibited a fraud rate of 20%. The report further details that work permits and alien cards accounted for 19% of fraud cases, while voter identification cards had the lowest fraud rate at 14%. These findings underscore the varying vulnerabilities associated with different types of identification, with national IDs being particularly at risk due to their popularity and widespread acceptance.
While passports and specialized documents like work permits show lower fraud rates, their misuse typically involves high-stakes scenarios, such as international travel or employment fraud, which can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. In response to the increasing rates of identity fraud, several African nations are implementing digital ID systems designed to enhance security and improve identity verification processes. For instance, South Africa is in the process of replacing its outdated Green ID Books, which are susceptible to fraud, with more secure Smart ID cards.
Ethiopia is also making strides with its National Identification Programme (NIDP), known as Fayda, which was launched in 2022. This program employs biometric technology to provide secure digital identities, aiming to reduce fraud while simultaneously improving access to essential services for millions of citizens.
Despite these positive developments, the report highlights a concerning trend: the rise of fraud cases involving generative AI. Criminals are increasingly using AI to create hyper-realistic fake documents, voices, and images, allowing them to impersonate individuals and commit financial crimes. According to SMILE ID, incidents of deepfake-related fraud in Africa surged sevenfold from the second to the fourth quarter of 2024, as easily accessible AI tools lowered the barriers to creating fraudulent identities and manipulating biometric data. Additionally, selfie anomalies, which serve as a key indicator of biometric fraud, accounted for 34% of emerging fraud cases.
Mark Straub, CEO of SMILE ID, commented on the dual nature of AI in this context, stating that while it has equipped fraudsters with advanced tools, it can also be utilized by security professionals to leverage global intelligence and enhance fraud detection systems. He cautioned, however, that “fintech platforms with weak KYC protocols remain the most vulnerable, as these bad actors exploit identity farming to create fraudulent accounts that obscure the origins of illicit funds.” Addressing these vulnerabilities necessitates collaboration among industries, governments, and technology providers to foster a safer digital ecosystem.
The report also highlights significant regional disparities in fraud methods across Africa in 2024. East Africa reported the highest combined rejection rate for document fraud cases at 27%, largely due to the region’s heavy reliance on physical documents. West Africa emerged as the epicenter of biometric fraud, recording the highest incidents of spoofing and face-match inconsistencies, with a notable susceptibility to AI-powered fraud attempts. Central Africa experienced a rejection rate of 22%, an increase of 3% from 2023, while Southern Africa saw a significant rise in fraud cases from 9% to 21%, primarily driven by fraud attempts involving the retiring green ID book.
The full 2025 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa report can be downloaded for free here.