Terms of Use, Eligibility & Issuance Policy

The African ID is a digital identity and community-eligibility credential issued by the Digital Citizen Identifier (DCI).

The African ID is designed to provide a verifiable digital identifier for persons who qualify as African under these Terms.

The African ID may be used, where accepted by participating organizations and platforms, to establish that an individual has been verified as an eligible member of the African community or African diaspora.

The African ID may also provide access to services, communities, programs, investment opportunities, governance rights, benefits or other opportunities that require verified African eligibility.

The African ID:

• is not a national identity card;
• is not proof of citizenship of any country;
• is not a passport;
• is not a residence permit;
• is not a travel document;
• is not a government-issued identification document;
• does not create citizenship of Africa;
• does not create citizenship of any African country;
• does not confer nationality;
• does not confer immigration rights;
• does not replace a national identity document; and
• does not replace a passport or other government-issued identification.

The African ID is a private digital credential issued by DCI.

The African ID is issued and administered by:

DIGITAL CITIZEN IDENTIFIER (DCI)

DCI is an independent digital identity initiative.

The African ID is not issued by the African Union, any African Union institution, or any African national government unless a specific government later enters into a separate formal arrangement expressly stated by DCI.

The use of the words African ID does not imply that the credential is an official government identification document.

DCI does not represent that the African ID constitutes government recognition of citizenship, nationality or legal status.

An individual may be eligible for an African ID if DCI determines that the individual satisfies one or more of the following categories:

A. African Citizen or National

A person who is a citizen or national of a country located on the African continent.

B. Person of African Descent

A person whose ancestry originates from peoples indigenous to or historically originating from Africa.

This includes persons whose African ancestors migrated, were displaced, were enslaved, or established communities outside Africa.

C. African Diaspora

A person of African descent living outside the African continent.

D. Descendant of Africans

A person who can reasonably establish descent from African peoples even where the person:

• was born outside Africa;
• has never lived in Africa;
• holds a non-African passport;
• has another nationality;
• has multiple nationalities; or
• belongs to a mixed-ancestry family.

A person does not need to live in Africa to qualify for an African ID.

A person may qualify while living in:

• North America;
• South America;
• the Caribbean;
• Europe;
• the Middle East;
• Asia;
• Oceania; or
• any other region.

African identity for purposes of this credential is not determined solely by current residence.

A person with mixed ancestry may qualify for an African ID where the person has genuine African ancestry and satisfies DCI's verification requirements.

DCI does not establish a universal minimum percentage of African ancestry.

The purpose of verification is to establish a genuine connection to African ancestry or African nationality rather than to create a racial-percentage test.

Physical appearance alone is not sufficient evidence of African identity.

DCI may consider appropriate evidence including:

• nationality;
• passport;
• government identification;
• birth records;
• family records;
• ancestry documentation;
• genealogical information;
• historical records;
• other credible documentation; and
• other verification methods approved by DCI.

DCI may use additional verification procedures where necessary.

Applicants may be required to complete one or more verification steps, including:

1. identity-document verification;
2. liveness verification;
3. biometric or facial verification where legally permitted;
4. nationality verification;
5. ancestry verification;
6. duplicate-identity checks;
7. fraud screening;
8. sanctions screening where applicable; and
9. other reasonable identity and eligibility checks.

The level of verification required may depend on the purpose for which the African ID is being used.

Each approved African ID holder may receive a unique identifier issued by DCI.

The identifier is intended to distinguish the holder from other individuals within the DCI system.

An African ID number does not itself reveal or establish:

• citizenship;
• nationality;
• immigration status;
• ethnicity;
• financial status; or
• any other legal status unless specifically stated by DCI.

DCI intends to operate the African ID according to privacy-preserving principles.

Where technically and legally feasible, verification should allow a person to prove only the information necessary for the transaction or service.

For example, a participating organization may only need confirmation that:

"This individual has a valid African ID."

It may not need access to the individual's full identity record.

DCI may use selective disclosure, verification tokens, cryptographic credentials or other privacy-preserving technologies where available.

Applicants are responsible for providing truthful, accurate and current information.

An applicant must not:

• provide false documents;
• impersonate another person;
• submit another person's identity;
• fabricate ancestry;
• manipulate verification systems;
• provide materially misleading information; or
• intentionally conceal information relevant to eligibility.

DCI intends that an individual maintain only one active African ID unless DCI expressly authorizes otherwise.

Creating multiple African IDs for the same person may result in:

• suspension;
• consolidation;
• cancellation of duplicate IDs;
• revocation; or
• other appropriate action.

The African ID credential and associated DCI infrastructure remain under the control of DCI.

The individual receives a personal, non-exclusive, revocable right to use the African ID credential while it remains valid.

An African ID is not property that may be sold independently.

An individual may not:

• sell an African ID;
• rent an African ID;
• lend an African ID;
• transfer an African ID;
• allow another person to use the credential; or
• commercially exploit the credential without DCI authorization.

An African ID may be used for purposes permitted by DCI and participating organizations.

Potential uses may include:

• community membership;
• African eligibility verification;
• investment eligibility;
• participation in African-focused programs;
• access to services;
• educational opportunities;
• research participation;
• governance eligibility;
• digital communities;
• cultural participation;
• professional networks; and
• other approved purposes.

A third party's acceptance of an African ID is determined by that third party.

DCI does not guarantee that every organization will accept the credential.

Possession of an African ID does not automatically entitle the holder to:

• investment opportunities;
• financial returns;
• employment;
• scholarships;
• government services;
• voting rights;
• membership in a particular organization;
• discounts;
• grants; or
• any other benefit.

Any benefit is subject to the rules of the organization providing that benefit.

Organizations such as the African Sovereign Wealth Fund (ASWF) may use African ID verification to determine eligibility for governance or participation rights.

Where an organization establishes African-only voting or governance rights, the organization—not DCI—determines the applicable governance rules.

DCI's role is to provide identity and eligibility verification.

African ID holders are responsible for protecting their account credentials and authentication methods.

An individual must immediately notify DCI if they believe that:

• their account has been compromised;
• their credentials have been stolen;
• another person has accessed their account;
• their identity has been impersonated; or
• their African ID has been misused.

DCI may temporarily suspend an account while investigating a security concern.

DCI may temporarily suspend an African ID where reasonably necessary to:

1. investigate suspected fraud;
2. investigate identity theft;
3. investigate impersonation;
4. investigate duplicate identities;
5. investigate false documentation;
6. protect the DCI system;
7. protect other users;
8. comply with legal requirements;
9. respond to a credible security threat;
10. verify changed or disputed information; or
11. prevent misuse of the credential.

Suspension is not necessarily a finding of wrongdoing.

Where appropriate, DCI may restore the African ID after verification is completed.

DCI may revoke an African ID where it determines that the credential was:

• obtained through fraud;
• obtained through materially false information;
• obtained using forged or fraudulent documentation;
• obtained through impersonation;
• issued to a person who does not satisfy the eligibility requirements;
• duplicated intentionally;
• transferred or sold to another person;
• used by another person;
• used to commit or facilitate fraud;
• used to circumvent security controls;
• used to materially harm the DCI system;
• used for unlawful activity where revocation is legally appropriate;
• subject to a serious identity dispute that cannot be resolved;
• compromised in a manner that requires cancellation and re-issuance; or
• otherwise maintained in violation of these Terms.

DCI may also revoke an African ID where continued issuance would create a material legal, security or operational risk.

Revocation of an African ID does not necessarily mean that DCI has determined that a person has no African ancestry.

An ID may be revoked because:

• the verification process was compromised;
• the credential was fraudulently obtained;
• identity information cannot be reliably verified;
• the credential was misused; or
• the credential no longer meets DCI's technical or legal requirements.

A person may be permitted to submit a new application or additional evidence where appropriate.

DCI may periodically require an African ID holder to re-verify their identity or eligibility.

Re-verification may be required where:

• identification documents expire;
• identity information changes;
• fraud is suspected;
• technology changes;
• security standards change;
• legal requirements change;
• duplicate records are detected; or
• DCI reasonably needs to confirm continued validity.

Failure to complete a required re-verification may result in temporary suspension or eventual expiration of the credential.

DCI may establish an expiration period for certain African IDs or verification levels.

Where an African ID expires, the holder may be required to complete a renewal or re-verification process.

DCI may also maintain certain identifiers permanently while periodically updating the verification status associated with them.

The applicable model shall be stated by DCI.

An African ID is personal to the individual and cannot be inherited.

Upon credible confirmation of the holder's death, DCI may deactivate the credential.

The African ID number may be retained as a historical record where legally permitted, but it shall not be reassigned to another person.

The holder must update material information where required by DCI.

Changes may include:

• legal name;
• nationality;
• identity document;
• contact information;
• other information required for verification.

A change in nationality or residence does not automatically terminate African-descent eligibility.

Loss or expiration of a passport or national identity document does not automatically mean that an African ID is revoked.

DCI may temporarily suspend verification status until the holder's identity can be re-established.

Where an African ID is denied, suspended or revoked, DCI may provide an appropriate review or appeal process.

The holder may be asked to provide:

• additional documents;
• clarification;
• evidence of identity;
• evidence of African eligibility;
• evidence addressing suspected fraud; or
• other relevant information.

DCI may maintain reasonable deadlines for appeals.

Submitting an application does not guarantee issuance.

DCI may refuse an application where:

• eligibility is not sufficiently established;
• identity cannot be verified;
• documents are unreliable;
• fraud concerns exist;
• the application is incomplete;
• the applicant fails required verification;
• legal restrictions apply; or
• security or operational concerns require refusal.

DCI's eligibility system is intended to recognize Africans and persons of African descent across geographic boundaries.

Eligibility is not denied merely because a person:

• lives outside Africa;
• holds a non-African passport;
• has dual citizenship;
• was born outside Africa;
• has mixed ancestry; or
• belongs to an African diaspora community.

DCI may issue African IDs to minors where legally permitted.

Additional parental or guardian consent and verification requirements may apply.

DCI may limit certain functions of a minor's African ID until the holder reaches the applicable age of legal capacity.

Organizations that integrate African ID verification must use the system only for lawful and disclosed purposes.

Organizations must not represent the African ID as:

• a government identity document;
• proof of citizenship;
• an African Union credential; or
• a substitute for a passport or national ID.

DCI does not control decisions made by organizations using African ID verification.

A participating organization may independently determine:

• whether to accept an African ID;
• what additional documentation is required;
• what benefits are available;
• whether a person qualifies for a particular program; and
• what additional eligibility requirements apply.

DCI may modify the African ID system to:

• improve security;
• improve privacy;
• introduce new technology;
• comply with law;
• prevent fraud;
• improve verification;
• improve interoperability; or
• improve user experience.

DCI may require holders to migrate to updated credentials or verification methods where reasonably necessary.

DCI aims to maintain reliable service but does not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

Services may temporarily be unavailable because of:

• maintenance;
• upgrades;
• cybersecurity incidents;
• infrastructure failure;
• network outages;
• force majeure;
• regulatory requirements; or
• other circumstances beyond DCI's reasonable control.

The African ID may not be used to:

• impersonate another person;
• commit fraud;
• deceive another person or organization;
• evade lawful identification requirements;
• obtain benefits through false representation;
• facilitate unlawful activity;
• bypass sanctions or legal restrictions;
• create fraudulent accounts;
• sell or transfer identity credentials; or
• interfere with DCI's infrastructure.

Where these Terms are violated, DCI may take one or more actions:

• warning;
• additional verification;
• temporary restriction;
• suspension;
• revocation;
• account closure;
• cancellation of fraudulent credentials;
• referral to an appropriate authority where legally required; or
• other lawful measures.

DCI may determine the appropriate response based on the seriousness and circumstances of the violation.

DCI shall process personal information according to its applicable privacy policy and applicable data-protection laws.

DCI should collect only information reasonably necessary for:

• identity verification;
• eligibility determination;
• credential issuance;
• security;
• fraud prevention;
• system operation;
• legal compliance; and
• other disclosed legitimate purposes.

Personal information shall not be sold merely as a condition of obtaining an African ID.

DCI will implement reasonable technical and organizational measures intended to protect personal information against:

• unauthorized access;
• unauthorized disclosure;
• alteration;
• loss;
• destruction; and
• misuse.

No digital system can guarantee absolute security.

ALL OFFICIAL AFRICAN ID CONTACT MUST BE DIRECTED TO:

[email protected]

This includes:

• applications;
• verification questions;
• support;
• complaints;
• appeals;
• revocation inquiries;
• privacy requests;
• data requests;
• partnership inquiries;
• institutional inquiries;
• security reports;
• identity disputes;
• legal notices; and
• all other African ID-related communication.

Unless DCI officially publishes another contact channel, users should treat [email protected] as the official contact address.

The African ID name, system, software, interface, design, logos, documentation, databases, technology and related intellectual property are owned or controlled by DCI or its respective licensors, unless otherwise stated.

No provision of these Terms transfers intellectual-property ownership to an African ID holder.

An African ID is personal to the verified individual.

It may not be:

• sold;
• assigned;
• inherited;
• pledged;
• rented;
• licensed to another person; or
• transferred.

The African ID is provided as a digital verification credential.

DCI does not guarantee that:

• every organization will accept it;
• every government will recognize it;
• every service will be available to holders;
• every verification will succeed; or
• the system will always be available.

The African ID does not create rights that do not otherwise exist under applicable law.

DCI may update these Terms from time to time.

Material changes may be communicated through the DCI website, account notifications or other reasonable means.

Continued use of an African ID after the effective date of updated Terms constitutes acceptance where legally permissible.

These Terms shall be governed by applicable law, subject to any mandatory data-protection, consumer-protection or other laws applicable to the holder.

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to apply to the maximum extent permitted by law.

These Terms, together with the applicable DCI Privacy Policy and other policies expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the principal terms governing use of the African ID.

By applying for, accepting, activating or using an African ID, the holder acknowledges that they:

• have read these Terms;
• understand what the African ID is;
• understand what the African ID is not;
• understand the eligibility requirements;
• agree to provide truthful information;
• agree to protect their credential;
• agree not to transfer or misuse the credential;
• understand that DCI may suspend or revoke the credential in accordance with these Terms; and
• agree to comply with these Terms.