E-Houwiya: A Milestone in Tunisia’s Digital Transformation Roadmap 2025

By Dr. Nizar Ben Neji, ICT Expert and Strategist & Former Minister of Communication Technologies of Tunisia (2021-2024)

Tunisia introduced E-Houwiya on August 2, 2022, to deploy a state-recognized nationwide digital identity system, legally equivalent to face-to-face identification and compliant with international standards in the field.

As a key architect of Tunisia’s digital transformation, I had the privilege of leading the design and implementation of E-Houwiya, Tunisia’s national digital identity system. During my tenure as Minister of Communication Technologies, I worked closely with key stakeholders to establish E-Houwiya as a cornerstone of Tunisia’s 2025 digital strategy.

E-Houwiya is now open to the banking sector, marking a significant milestone in Tunisia’s journey toward financial inclusion. By integrating with digital banking and fintech services, E-Houwiya enables unbanked populations to securely access bank accounts, mobile payments, and financial services, fostering broader participation in the digital economy.

As of March 2025, the total number of mobile-ID subscribers in Tunisia reached 200,000 citizens, including over 15,000 Tunisians living abroad. The E-Houwiya ID was designed to be a simple, fast, and secure way of proving online identity and is mainly integrated in digital procedures for various services, such as onboarding, authentication, digital signatures, consent approvals, and financial transactions.

Issuing Process and Cost

The issuing process and overall operation of the E-Houwiya system are managed by the ICT department and affiliated entities, ensuring security and compliance. The digital ID is issued after identity verification and is valid for three years. Digital signatures made with the E-Houwiya ID are legally valid and equivalent to handwritten signatures.

The E-Houwiya ID is free of charge to encourage adoption, with affordable or free digital signature services.

E-Houwiya as SSO for E-Government

To simplify access to government services, E-Houwiya serves as a centralized authentication system, enabling users to log in to various digital portals such as E-Bawaba, E-CNAM, E-People, and more. While not legally required, its growing adoption is making it essential for accessing online services.

E-Houwiya is a key enabler for digital services in Tunisia. For its success, achieving a high adoption rate is crucial to ensuring sustainability and scalability.

March 19, 2025 – by Dr. Nizar Ben Neji

Partners

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Identity Week aims to be a significant identity industry catalyst. It’s our mission is to help accelerate the move towards a world where trusted identity solutions enable governments and commercial organisations to provide citizens, employees, customers and consumers with a multitude of opportunities to transact in a seamless, yet secure manner. All the while preventing the efforts of those intent on doing harm. https://identityweek.net/

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Issuing Process and Cost

E-Houwiya as SSO for E-Government

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