National Registration Bureau - Malawi

31/05/2026

22/05/2026

The National Registration Bureau (NRB) has introduced new technology with the aim of transforming identity verification and improving access to banking services in the country.

The advanced integration model allows banks and other institutions to, among others, verify customer identities electronically through the national identity database.

The bureau’s Principal Secretary, Patrick Machika, has said the system improves on the traditional Application Programming Interface by incorporating biometric verification features such as fingerprint and facial recognition.

The technology enables real-time identity verification against the national database, helping financial institutions strengthen digital Know Your Customer processes, improve accuracy and reduce fraud risks.

Banks such as Standard Bank Malawi and other institutions are testing the system.

Standard Bank Compliance Manager Nicole Mankhwazi said the solution uses QR code technology on National IDs to automatically retrieve and validate customer information directly from the NRB database.

She said the digital onboarding system has reduced customer waiting times and made banking services more accessible, especially for people in remote areas.

22/05/2026

‎
‎Malawi’s banking sector is undergoing a digital transformation as the National Registration Bureau (NRB) rolls out an advanced identity verification system allowing banks to verify customers remotely using National IDs and biometric data.
‎
‎The innovation, already adopted by NBS Bank and being tested by Standard Bank Malawi, uses fingerprint, facial recognition and QR code technology to enable real-time customer verification against the national database.
‎
‎NRB Principal Secretary Patrick Machika says the system will reduce fraud, cut paperwork and improve access to banking services, especially for people in remote areas.
‎
‎However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy and difficulties in providing proof-of-income documentation continue to affect full adoption of Digital KYC services in the country.
‎
‎By Emmanuel Chikonso
‎
‎

08/05/2026

Commencement of Phase 3 of the National ID Mass Renewal for all Civil Servants working in Area 4 and the surrounding areas - Lilongwe.

27/04/2026

Commencement of Phase 2 of National ID Mass Renewal Exercise for all civil servants working at City Centre Offices - Lilongwe.