IDEMIA appoints new East Africa head to drive regional expansion

IDEMIA, global augmented identity solutions provider, has appointed Henry Mkuzi as its East African Region Sales Director as part of the company’s plans to strengthen its local presence.

Mkuzi will be tasked with establishing Kenya as IDEMIA’s regional hub through securing strategic business partnerships as the world adopts to more efficient and cost effective ways of issuing and securing identities of citizens using the existing technologies fueled by high penetration of smartphones and mobile internet.

The company, in a statement to the press, said it has been working closely with the regional governments to bring down the costs of delivering essential public services as well as servicing the financial and communications sectors.

“IDEMIA is committed to investing in East Africa as a long term partner to governments and local businesses looking to enhance identity security,” said Group CEO Yann Delabrière.

“Henry has a good working relationship with government entities in the region and brings on board the much needed experience in executing commercial strategies essential to ensuring that East Africa emerges as a frontrunner in the digital identity and security solutions in coming years.”

Mkuzi, who joined the company in December 2019, has worked in various commercial roles in the ICT sector for both local and international brands.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from the United States International University (ISIU)– Africa and has experience spanning over 20 years having previously played a leading role in commercial and business development activities in the Anglophone Africa region.

He spearheaded significant revenue growth and gained recognition with a global award for the ‘Best New ePassport’ at the 2019 High Security Printing EMEA (HSP) Regional ID documents awards event.

IDEMIA also issued a no-disruption update regarding servicing to its clientele amidst the Covid-19 outbreak saying it is well prepared with various safe and secure identity solution platforms such as contactless multi-biometric (facial, Iris & fingerprint) which is ready for adoption in the new way of life that the pandemic has occasioned.

“In the wake of social distancing restrictions, augmented identity solutions are set to have a greater demand as more organizations adapt contactless biometrics. Our continuous innovation mantra has ensured we have ready solutions that can be implemented in post Covid-19 era,” Mr. Mkuzi said on his appointment.

In its plans for East Africa, IDEMIA plans to offer the latest technologies for safer roads and cities, smooth and secure passenger experience at borders, security at public places, digital source analysis for investigations and digital ID solutions.

This will address key challenges faced in the region including data privacy issues, identity fraud, money laundering, screening at the borders, delayed forensics investigations and traffic related fatalities.