BEGINNING in July 2026, citizens in Papua New Guinea are expected to be able to claim their electronic National ID (eNID) through SevisWallet, as part of the government's broader digital identity rollout. The initiative is designed to let people securely receive and use their digital identity from a mobile device instead of relying solely on a physical ID.
The Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, MP, and the Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere, MP, today announced that their respective ministries are working together to streamline efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s digital identity ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, the Civil Registry will facilitate a secure, citizen-consent based integration between the National Identification Database and SevisWallet. This will enable citizens whose records are held within the NID database, currently numbering approximately 4.2 million, to claim their NID in digital form as an eNID Verifiable Credential.
The Ministers confirmed that the eNID Verifiable Credential will be available through SevisWallet from 21 July 2026.
They emphasized that citizen consent is central to the design and implementation of this integration. Identity information will not be transferred or used without the consent of the
citizen and this is consistent with both the Civil Identity and Registry Act and the Digital Government Act. The SevisWallet App will provide citizens with a secure and convenient way to claim, store and use their eNID Credential in digital form.
Once available, citizens will be able to store their eNID Verifiable Credential in SevisWallet alongside other trusted digital credentials, including SevisPass and Police Clearance Certificates. Citizens who claim their eNID Credential will also be able to upgrade their SevisPass to Tier 2, enabling access to more digital services, including financial services and other regulated services requiring stronger identity verification.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr said the initiative is an important step in building Papua New Guinea’s national trust infrastructure.
“SevisWallet will allow citizens to carry trusted digital credentials in a secure, consent-based and convenient way. This will reduce reliance on physical documents, improve access to services, and support stronger participation in the digital economy.”
Minister Masere said the Civil Registry remains the custodian of civil identity records and will continue to safeguard the integrity of the NID database.
“By enabling citizens to claim their NID in digital form through SevisWallet, we are improving service delivery while maintaining the authority and integrity of the Civil Registry.”
The ministers further confirmed that the next step will be to utilise eNID and SevisWallet to support the update of the Electoral Roll, in close consultation with the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities.
The Government encourages citizens to start downloading the SevisWallet App in advance, now available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, in preparation for the eNID Verifiable Credential becoming available from 21 July 2026.
Papua New Guinea will host its third Digital Transformation Summit (DTS25) from 24th to 27th November 2025 at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby.
Minister for Police and Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., issued a press release yesterday announcing the upcoming event, which has become the nation’s premier platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in digital development.
He said the summit continued to grow in scale and impact, bringing together leaders, experts, and practitioners from government, industry, academia, and civil society to advance PNG’s digital agenda and strengthen collective commitment to innovation and inclusion.
“The Digital Transformation Summit 2025 is grounded in the vision of the Digital Transformation Policy 2020, which laid the foundation for a modern, efficient, and citizen-centric government,” Mr Tsiamalili said.
He added that the summit built on a suite of key national initiatives endorsed by the National Executive Council over the past five years, including the Digital Government Act 2022, Data Governance and Protection Policy, National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, Government Cloud Policy, Digital Government Plan 2023–2027, and most recently, the Digital ID Policy 2025.
“These initiatives represent a comprehensive effort to modernize our institutions, safeguard our digital environment, and empower citizens to benefit fully from the digital economy,” he said.
This year’s event will bring together a wide range of participants — from academics, researchers, and students to ICT vendors, technology start-ups, telcos, banks, and policymakers — to share insights across key thematic areas such as digital identity and financial inclusion, e-voting, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and digital skills.
In addition to policy discussions and technical exchanges, DTS25 will feature an Innovation Expo, a Coding Hackathon to inspire young developers, Cyber War Games to boost national cybersecurity readiness, and PNG’s biggest Call of Duty: Mobile Gaming Competition, designed to combine digital education, skills, and entertainment.
Minister Tsiamalili said this year’s summit will place strong emphasis on youth and student participation, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering young people in the digital space.
“We prefer to listen and engage in dialogue with our students and youth rather than reprimand and distance them from us,” he said. “Digital transformation is ultimately about people. We hope to inspire our young generation to think, build, and create ethically in the digital space — securing a more connected, innovative, and inclusive future for our nation.”
Registration for DTS25 opens on 24th October 2025 via www.ict.gov.pg. The Minister encouraged all interested stakeholders — from government agencies and businesses to students and innovators — to register early and be part of this defining national event.
