Egypt is preparing to roll out its new national digital ID system, Haweya, marking a major leap in the country’s digital transformation and financial inclusion strategy. Developed under the Central Bank of Egypt, Haweya will be a mobile-based digital identity wallet containing biometric data and secure digital signatures. The app will allow residents to remotely complete KYC verification, open bank accounts at more than 35 banks, and access telecom services without visiting physical branches.
Haweya uses fingerprint and facial biometrics alongside advanced digital signatures to ensure secure authentication. Officials say the platform will especially benefit rural and underserved populations by enabling account opening and financial access from anywhere. With Egypt’s financial inclusion rate currently at 76%, Haweya is expected to accelerate progress toward nationwide digital inclusion. The rollout also aligns with Egypt’s broader ambitions in AI, blockchain, IoT and its plans to introduce a CBDC before 2030.
Globally, financial-sector use of digital IDs continues to rise, with countries like Pakistan and Brunei expanding digital IDs for KYC and AML compliance. The UN is also testing blockchain-based IDs for pensioners, reflecting growing trust in next-generation identity systems.
Meanwhile, Germany has announced a major breakthrough in quantum-secure identity. Bundesdruckerei Gruppe, in partnership with G+D and the Federal Office for Information Security, has completed a proof-of-concept for national ID cards protected against future quantum attacks. Powered by Infineon chips supporting post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the prototype combines classical and quantum-resistant algorithms to safeguard personal data.
The German government plans a phased rollout, with the first stage focused on protecting sensitive information and full PQC integration expected in the coming years. This move aligns with the EU’s goal for all member states to adopt PQC by 2030, amid expectations that quantum computers may break today’s cryptographic algorithms within the decade.
The rise of quantum computing also raises concern for digital currencies. Experts warn that Bitcoin and other blockchains could face cryptographic vulnerabilities over the next 10–20 years. Ethereum has already begun preparing for quantum resistance, while global tech leaders—from Google to IBM—are pushing aggressively into quantum innovation.
