Ethiopia's Student ID System Powered by Cardano

Cardano's ID System for Ethiopian Students

The national ID deal between Cardano and Ethiopia has sparked controversy, with critics claiming it was terminated. However, Cardano's founder, Charles Hoskinson, confirmed that the ID system is operational, addressing misconceptions about its purpose and scale.

Clarifying the Misunderstandings

The agreement with Ethiopia was initially misunderstood as a nationwide ID system. Hoskinson clarified that it was a credential management system specifically for students, not a comprehensive national ID initiative. The system aims to manage credentials within the Ministry of Education (MoE) and is not intended for nation-scale application.

Current Operation and Future Prospects

Despite claims of delays, the student ID system is live and aims to cover one million students by the end of 2023. The original target was to reach five million students by the end of 2021, but progress was hindered by external factors, including the Russian-Ukrainian war. Hoskinson emphasized that while the system is currently focused on students, it has the potential to expand into a broader identification management system in the future.

Atala PRISM and Blockchain Security

The project, known as Atala PRISM, leverages Cardano's blockchain technology to provide secure and tamper-proof identification. This system not only supports educational credential management but also holds promise for enhancing social and economic activities like voting and banking in Ethiopia.

The initiative highlights Cardano’s commitment to utilizing blockchain technology to address real-world challenges, despite facing criticism and delays.