South Africa is accelerating the introduction of digital identity services through its banking sector following the launch of the country’s first bank-based mobile Smart ID branch by Absa in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.
The initiative is part of the government’s Digital Partnership Programme, which is using commercial banks to broaden access to Smart ID services as South Africa works towards replacing the green barcoded identity book with the more secure Smart ID card.
Since the programme was introduced in March 2026, Smart ID service points have increased from just over 200 to more than 500 nationwide. The Department of Home Affairs is targeting around 750 participating bank branches before the end of the year, significantly expanding access to identity services.
Absa became the latest bank to join the programme alongside Capitec, FNB and Standard Bank. The bank has already unveiled Smart ID services in branches across Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town and expects to expand the service to about 60 branches by the end of 2026.
A key feature of Absa’s launch is the introduction of a mobile Smart ID branch, which will take identity registration services directly to remote, peri-urban and underserved communities. The mobile unit allows citizens to apply for Smart ID cards, complete biometric enrolment and collect their documents without travelling to a Home Affairs office.
According to Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, partnerships with financial institutions are helping government extend the reach of public services while improving efficiency. The current model allows banks to process Smart ID applications through secure digital integration with Home Affairs systems, using their existing biometric infrastructure and branch networks instead of relying on permanently stationed government officials.
Absa Group Chief Executive Kenny Fihl said secure legal identity is a gateway to economic participation, adding that the collaboration will make essential government services more accessible while maintaining high security standards.
Further, the latest launch reflects a wider shift across Africa, where governments are modernizing national identity systems to improve public service delivery and financial inclusion. Rather than relying solely on government offices, South Africa is increasingly using commercial banks to bring digital identity services closer to citizens, particularly in communities with limited access to public infrastructure.
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