The Republic of Benin, in partnership with African digital identity solutions provider Seamfix, has officially launched a revolutionary online platform called ePass. This initiative is designed to empower Beninese citizens living anywhere in the world to apply for and renew their international passports completely online, eliminating the traditional requirement for in-person visits to embassies or consular offices.
A Digital Leap for Diaspora Services
The global launch of the ePass platform was announced following its initial rollout in October 2025. The service is now accessible to eligible citizens in over 80 countries worldwide. The platform is powered by GovSmart, Seamfix's proprietary government digital identity and service delivery platform, and was developed through a close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Benin.
Key government figures present at the launch included the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shegun Adjadi Bakari, alongside officials from the ministry and Seamfix executives like Group CEO Chimezie Emewulu and COO Frank Atube.
How the ePass Platform Works
Built on the GovSmart foundation, ePass digitizes the entire passport renewal process from start to finish. Eligible citizens can use a secure mobile application to:
- Complete the renewal application from their home.
- Capture and submit biometric data, including liveness checks, using their personal mobile devices.
- Securely upload all required supporting documents.
- Make payments online through the integrated system.
- Track their application status in real-time.
- Receive their renewed passport via courier delivery or choose embassy pickup.
The solution was delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Direction de l'émigration et l'immigration (DEI BENIN). It is now fully operational, with adoption growing across Beninese diaspora communities.
Leadership Perspectives on the Innovation
Chimezie Emewulu, Group CEO of Seamfix, emphasized the platform's mission: "With ePass, distance is no longer a barrier to trusted identification or access to essential government services. The platform introduces a fully digital experience that allows users to renew adult and minor passports remotely." He noted that once approved, passports are produced by the relevant government authority and delivered directly to applicants.
Frank Atube, Chief Operating Officer of Seamfix, highlighted the technical backbone: "GovSmart provides governments with a scalable foundation for secure digital service delivery. The ePass deployment demonstrates how digital identity systems can be designed to meet national requirements while remaining secure, inclusive, and scalable."
Security and Integration Standards
The ePass application is deeply integrated with Benin's national identity and immigration systems via the GovSmart platform. This enables robust, real-time identity verification and ensures strong data protection. The entire deployment is confirmed to comply with internationally recognized data privacy and information security standards, safeguarding users' sensitive personal information.
This move positions the Republic of Benin at the forefront of digital governance in West Africa, significantly enhancing consular service delivery for its global citizenry.
