About 1.3 million citizens have been enrolled onto the National Registration Information System (INRIS), while over 500,000 births and deaths have been registered.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Principal Public Relations Officer Mwala Kalaluka said although INRIS was initiated under the previous administration, its implementation remained manual, fragmented, and underfunded, with limited system integration and no dedicated funding for birth and death registration in 2019 and 2020.
Mr. Kalaluka explained that under the UPND government, civil registration and identity management reforms have been significantly accelerated and aligned to international best practice.
With support from Cooperating Partners, the Ministry is implementing end-to-end automation of birth and death notifications through the INRIS API Manager, ensuring real-time updates to population records.
He said the reforms will enhance the reliability of identity data used for travel document issuance and migration monitoring, while also addressing visa overstay risks linked to incomplete or outdated records.
Mr. Kalaluka added that government is strengthening inter-system linkages to safeguard the integrity of Zambia’s identity systems, bolster border security, and promote responsible international travel.
He further revealed that government is modernising the national identification system through the procurement of smart card printers and blank cards, enabling the issuance of secure biometric National Registration Cards after the 2026 General Elections.
The new cards will be fully interoperable within the INRIS ecosystem, reducing identity fraud and strengthening traveller verification processes at points of service.
