We are moving to a more digital era where technology is aimed to be at the center of every aspect of life. Most identity documents are usually in paper form and this poses a lot of challenges. Many individuals have exposed their private data because their paper-based identity document was lost.

The European Union is currently pushing for digital wallet usage for its members. There are three important features the proposed digital wallet will have.

The wallet will authenticate and access public and private services, and store, share, and e-sign documents

Privacy dashboard to give users full control over their data

The wallet is to be used on a strictly voluntary basis.

This new Digital Identity Wallet will allow citizens to identify and authenticate themselves online without having to resort to commercial providers - a practice that raises trust, security, and privacy concerns.

For a continent like Africa where the verification of paper-based documents is time-demanding, a digital wallet will help streamline the process of document verification, saving time for the citizens.

The fact that accessing the digital wallet will require security keys adds an extra layer of security in cases of loss of the device where the wallet is stored.

Technology-wise, we may say that the adoption won't be easy in Africa due to challenges like, lack of technical know-how, poor network connectivity, and poor economic conditions which can cause individuals to be unable to use the digital wallet.

The fact remains that African countries can achieve this if they set their mind to it. They have the talent to do it, and just like the EU, the use of the wallet has to be voluntary.

A digital identity wallet will help us to have all our identity in one place. Most people have been delayed from their journey because they do not have either their driver's license or their means of identity.

Imagine having all your identity in your phone, you don't need to carry the paper-based documents around and you will be willing to present any document you are asked for, at any point in time.

The era of digital wallets will soon come and Africa should prepare for such an era.