African Civil Registration Experts Convene in Victoria Falls to Shape Next Decade of Identity Systems
Written by Staff Reporter on July 17, 2026
Victoria Falls has become the focal point of Africa’s efforts to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics systems as the Annual Expert Group Meeting for African Registrars General on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) got underway yesterday.
The high-level gathering has brought together representatives from all 54 African Union member states to review progress achieved over the past decade and chart a new course for the future of civil registration across the continent.
Held under the theme, “New CRVS Decade (2026–2036): Consolidating the Gains of APAI-CRVS and Securing the Future of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Africa through Integration, Decentralization, and Digitalization,” the meeting is expected to focus on modernising registration systems through enhanced integration, decentralisation and digital transformation.
Discussions will centre on strengthening the registration of births, deaths and other vital events, which are critical for effective governance, service delivery, national planning and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Delegates are also assessing milestones achieved under the African Programme on Accelerated Improvement of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (APAI-CRVS) over the past ten years, while identifying persistent challenges that continue to hinder universal and efficient registration systems in many African countries.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe is expected to officially open the meeting and deliver the keynote address. The minister arrived at the venue ahead of the opening ceremony accompanied by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo.
The Victoria Falls meeting is expected to help shape Africa’s civil registration agenda for the next decade, with a strong emphasis on building inclusive, technology-driven and accessible systems capable of supporting sustainable development and improving the lives of millions across the continent.
By Witness A Phiri
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