Identy.io has announced plans to expand its operations across Africa, with an initial focus on Kenya and Nigeria, as governments on the continent accelerate efforts to build national digital identity systems.
The global biometric authentication firm said the expansion will strengthen its service offerings in key African markets and support public and private sector institutions seeking secure, mobile-first identity verification solutions. The company also unveiled a new regional leadership team to drive engagement with stakeholders in government, financial services, telecommunications and other regulated industries.
The move comes amid growing investment in digital public infrastructure across Africa. According to World Bank ID4D data cited by the company, about 80 percent of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa have basic identification, though coverage remains below 70 percent in several countries. Gaps in identification systems have been linked to limited access to banking, healthcare, telecommunications and other essential services.
Kenya and Nigeria are among countries ramping up integration of digital identity systems with public services and financial platforms as part of broader economic development strategies.
Software-First Biometric Model
Identy.io says it aims to differentiate itself through a software-first approach that reduces reliance on expensive biometric hardware. Its platform enables biometric capture using standard smartphones, processes identity documents, and supports large-scale biometric verification and deduplication. The company also offers tools to issue digital identities to individuals who lack formal documentation.
Antony Vendhan, co-founder of Identy.io, said the company intends to serve as a long-term partner in Africa’s digital transformation by offering scalable and flexible infrastructure tailored to local needs.
As part of its industry validation efforts, the company’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) has completed compliance processes with MOSIP and is now listed on the MOSIP Marketplace. MOSIP supports governments in developing and managing foundational digital ID systems.
Leadership Appointments
To support its regional expansion, Identy.io has made several senior appointments.
Dr. Olajide Olasiyan-Ola has been named Regional Head for West Africa. He brings more than two decades of experience in biometric identity and digital infrastructure, including involvement in Nigeria’s Bank Verification Number initiative.
Edwin Mutisya has been appointed Senior Sales Manager and will be based in Kenya. He has worked extensively with banks and telecom operators to deploy secure identity solutions across regulated markets.
In addition, Matus Kapusta has been named Product Director for the company’s ABIS portfolio. With more than 16 years of experience in biometric innovation, Kapusta will oversee the strategic development and large-scale delivery of Identy.io’s biometric solutions.
The company said its African expansion will follow a phased growth strategy, with additional markets expected to be added over time as demand for digital identity infrastructure continues to rise.
