PNG Announces Drafting Verifiable Credentials Bill

Why It Matters

The bill creates a legal foundation for a national digital‑identity ecosystem, unlocking faster eKYC, broader financial inclusion, and more trustworthy public services in PNG’s emerging digital economy.

Key Takeaways

• PNG moves from policy to law for digital identity
• SevisWallet app already on iOS and Android
• Bill aligns with global e‑ID models like India DigiLocker
• July 2026 deadline targets eKYC, SIM registration, financial inclusion
• All banks, telcos, agencies urged to ready systems

Pulse Analysis

Papua New Guinea is accelerating its digital transformation by moving from a National Digital ID Policy to a binding Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials Bill. The draft legislation formalises the Sevis ecosystem—SevisPass for identity verification, SevisWallet for credential storage, and SevisDEx for consent‑based data exchange. By anchoring these platforms in law, the government aims to create interoperable, secure services that can scale across the country’s diverse geography. Early deployment of the SevisWallet app on both iOS and Android signals a pragmatic, user‑first approach, giving citizens a tangible entry point to the emerging digital identity framework.

The bill draws heavily from proven international models such as India’s DigiLocker, Singapore’s Singpass, and Estonia’s e‑ID system, positioning PNG alongside a growing cohort of nations that have institutionalised digital identity. For the private sector, the legislation promises streamlined electronic Know‑Your‑Customer (eKYC) processes, faster SIM registration, and more efficient onboarding for financial products. This could dramatically expand financial inclusion, especially in remote areas where traditional verification is costly or impossible. Moreover, the ability to verify driver’s licences, education certificates, and tax IDs digitally will reduce fraud and administrative overhead for both government agencies and businesses.

Achieving the July 2026 readiness target will require coordinated effort from banks, telecom operators, educational institutions, and professional bodies. Technical integration, regulatory alignment, and robust data‑privacy safeguards must be addressed simultaneously. If successful, PNG could set a regional benchmark for digital identity adoption in the Pacific, attracting fintech investment and fostering a more inclusive digital economy. However, challenges such as limited broadband penetration, digital literacy gaps, and the need for strong governance frameworks remain critical hurdles that policymakers must navigate to realise the bill’s full potential.