
UNLOCK A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
The National Registration Bureau (NRB) is a Government Department operating under the Ministry of Homeland Security. Established by the National Registration Act of 2010, the NRB is mandated to implement, coordinate, manage, and maintain Malawi’s National Registration and Identification System (NRIS).
As the custodian of legal identity in Malawi, the NRB plays a pivotal role in enabling citizens’ access to services, promoting national security, and supporting effective governance through the issuance and management of vital identity credentials. The Bureau is responsible for the registration and issuance of: Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, National Identity Cards for bona fide Malawian citizens, Foreign Identity Cards for eligible non-citizens residing in Malawi and Certificates of Marriage Registration
Through its work, the NRB ensures that every individual’s identity is legally recognized and securely documented laying the foundation for inclusive development and citizen empowerment.
NATIONAL ID
The Malawi National ID (NID) is a digital ID based on ICAO standards that includes the biometric and biographic data of the individuals. The NID has a unique identification number, QR Code and Machine-Readable Zone. The NID is used as legal identity and proof of citizenship. Use cases of NID are:
- Financial Inclusion
- e-Verification
- e-KYC
- Digital Payment
- Social Services
- e-Government Service

National ID Linkages with public and private sectors

Approximately 3000 ghost workers were removed from payroll. Enables accurate verification of civil servants' identities, helping to eliminate ghost workers from the government payroll. It ensures transparency in recruitment, deployment, and promotions by linking personnel records to a unique and verifiable ID. This integration strengthens public sector accountability, improves payroll efficiency, and supports evidence-based human resource planning.

AIP using National ID database for identifying beneficiaries. Biometric verification for 1.5 million beneficiaries, reducing fraud and enhancing efficiency

Strengthens border security and enables accurate identification of individuals entering or exiting the country. It streamlines passport issuance, visa processing, and residency permits by enabling real-time identity verification. This integration enhances national security, reduces identity fraud, and improves service delivery in migration management.

Enhances identity verification and strengthens compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. It enables accurate tracking of financial transactions, detection of suspicious activities, and reduction of identity-related fraud. This integration supports financial integrity, improves oversight, and aligns Malawi with global financial governance standards.

Utilisation of Post Offices as Service Centres, use of courier business

Improves taxpayer identification, broadens the tax base, and enhances compliance monitoring. It enables accurate matching of individuals to financial activities, reducing tax evasion and fraud. This integration supports efficient revenue collection, promotes transparency, and strengthens domestic resource mobilization.

Linking the National ID with the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) enables targeted civic awareness campaigns by identifying and reaching specific population groups more effectively. It supports inclusive citizen engagement, especially among marginalized communities, by ensuring everyone is counted and informed. This integration promotes democratic participation, accountability, and informed decision-making at all levels.

Enhanced and more transparent voter roll. 7.2 million Malawians were verified for voter regsitration for the 2025 election. Inclusion in VR through Digitally Signed QR Code (2 million voters)

Integrating National ID with Know Your Customer (KYC) processes allows for instant and reliable identity verification, reducing the risk of impersonation and fraud. It simplifies customer onboarding for banks and financial institutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This leads to greater financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and strengthened trust in the financial ecosystem.

Integration not yet operational on Credit Data Side
Ensures accurate and unified identification of borrowers, reducing duplicate or fraudulent credit profiles. It improves the reliability of credit histories, enabling lenders to make informed decisions and expand credit access responsibly. This integration enhances financial inclusion, strengthens credit risk management, and promotes a more transparent lending ecosystem.












