Malawi is making significant progress towards ensuring that every eligible citizen has access to a trusted legal identity. Between April and June 2026, the National Registration Bureau (NRB), with continued support from UNDP Malawi and other partners, registered more than 150,000 Malawians for national identity cards. 

This achievement brings the total number of registered citizens to over 13.5 million, marking another important milestone in the country's journey towards universal legal identity. 

The nationwide National ID registration exercise demonstrates the Government of Malawi's commitment to inclusive development by ensuring that no citizen is left behind. Registration teams continued to reach communities across the country, making it easier for first-time applicants, young people reaching the eligible age, and individuals who had previously missed registration opportunities or needed to replace damaged cards to obtain their National ID. 

With more than 13.5 million people now registered, 53 per cent of whom are women (nearly 7.2 million), the initiative is helping to narrow the gender gap in legal identity and strengthen women's social and economic inclusion.

For many Malawians, possessing a national ID strengthens their ability to fully participate in the country's social and economic life.

"A national identity card is much more than an official document. It serves as a gateway to essential public and private services, enabling citizens to open bank accounts, register businesses, access social protection programmes, secure formal employment, participate in elections, and obtain travel documents," said Azhar Malik, UNDP Malawi's Digital Advisor. 

The continued expansion of the National ID system also enhances public service delivery. Reliable population data enables government institutions to plan more effectively, allocate resources efficiently, and deliver services based on accurate demographic information. It also contributes to stronger governance by improving transparency, reducing identity fraud, and supporting digital transformation initiatives across multiple sectors.

UNDP has remained a strategic partner to the Government through technical assistance and innovation that strengthens Malawi's civil registration and identity management systems. With financial support from the European Union, the Government of Norway, and Irish Aid, UNDP continues to work closely with the NRB to build secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital public infrastructure that places citizens at the centre of development.