Trident and Democratic Republic of Congo Sign Final Digital Identity Partnership and Launch Nationwide “DRCPass” Deployment

Rhea-AI Summary

Trident Digital Tech Holdings (NASDAQ: TDTH) has finalized a landmark public-private partnership agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo to deploy DRCPass, the nation's comprehensive digital identification system. As the exclusive e-KYC service provider, Trident will implement a Web 3.0-based national digital identity system focusing on four key areas: SIM card registration with biometric-blockchain binding, seamless e-government access through single-sign-on, digital payments enablement, and digital citizen identity.

The system will be accessible through Trident's mobile application "Tridentity," serving a market of over 80 million mobile subscribers. This partnership, building on the collaboration framework established in December 2024, positions the DRC at the forefront of digital governance in Africa.

Positive

• Exclusive provider status for e-KYC services in DRC, securing long-term revenue stream
• Access to massive market with over 80 million mobile subscribers
• Multiple revenue streams through four core use cases: SIM registration, e-government access, digital payments, and digital identity
• Strategic positioning as first-mover in African digital identity market

Negative

• Significant implementation challenges in a developing market
• Dependence on successful public education campaign and user adoption
• Political and regulatory risks associated with government contracts in DRC

Insights

Technology and Digital Infrastructure Expert

Trident secures exclusive e-KYC contract for DRC's national digital ID system, creating significant long-term revenue potential and market positioning.

This definitive partnership agreement between Trident and the Democratic Republic of Congo establishes Trident as the exclusive provider of electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) services for the country's nationwide digital identification system. The contract represents the culmination of a framework established in December 2024 and launches the official implementation of the DRCPass system.

The strategic value lies in the comprehensive scope of this deployment, addressing four critical infrastructure elements:

• Biometric-blockchain SIM registration to eliminate fraud
• Single sign-on access to government and business services
• Financial inclusion through digital payments and instant credit scoring
• Centralized digital citizen identity credentials

The market opportunity is substantial, with GSMA data confirming over 80 million mobile subscribers in the DRC. This represents a massive user base for Trident's "Tridentity" mobile application, which will serve as the access point for the digital ID system.

This partnership positions Trident advantageously in the rapidly expanding African digital identity market. The exclusivity component creates a protected revenue stream not subject to normal competitive pressures. While implementation challenges in a developing infrastructure environment will be significant, the phased rollout approach and accompanying public education campaign demonstrate awareness of these challenges.

For investors, this represents a material business development that establishes Trident as a player in national-scale digital infrastructure with potential for similar implementations across other emerging markets. The contract's exclusivity and nationwide scope suggest significant long-term revenue potential, though no specific financial terms were disclosed.

Final contract caps partnership, officially launches DRC’s national digital identification system; Web 3.0 digital identity in Africa; Trident appointed official e-KYC service provider.

SINGAPORE and KINSHASA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. (“Trident” or the “Company,” NASDAQ: TDTH), a Singapore-based catalyst for digital transformation and Web 3.0 activation, today announced that it has signed the definitive public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC” or “Republic”). The contract paves the way for nationwide deployment of “DRCPass,” the Republic’s robust national digital identification system, to be rolled out in phases with an accompanying public-education campaign.

The agreement represents the capstone of the collaboration framework established in December 2024 between Trident and the Office of the President, forming the cornerstone of the DRC’s e-government and digital-identity initiative. Under the accord, Trident is the Republic’s exclusive provider of electronic Know Your Customer (“e-KYC”) services, delivering the Web 3.0-based national digital identity.

Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Trident, and H.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the signing event.

e-KYC technology streamlines identity verification for organizations while enhancing security. Trident’s deployment will focus on four core use cases:

1.  SIM-card registration: biometric-blockchain binding of the SIM to a verified citizen record, eradicating “ghost” lines and cutting operator-fraud losses and regulatory fines in real time.

2.  Seamless access to e-government and business portals: with single-sign-on (SSO), Congolese can access and conduct transactions easily with public and private institutions through one log-in.

3.  Digital payments enablement: one-click e-KYC that auto-scores risk and unlocks instant credit, driving formal financial access beyond the siloed, branch-first systems in use today.

4.  Digital Citizen Identity: centralized and secure identity record that complements physical IDs, giving Congolese a verifiable digital credential for public and private-sector transactions.

After registering for their national ID, citizens will be able to download the “Tridentity” mobile application and enroll their DRCPass, which uses secure single-sign-on (SSO) to access authorized applications and websites.

“Over the past several months our teams have worked hand-in-hand with the DRC government to prepare for this moment. We commend the Republic’s leadership for embracing a digital future and look forward to supporting a nationwide rollout that others in Africa will surely emulate,” said Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trident.

“Today marks more than the signing of a partnership contract with Trident Digital Tech; it marks a defining chapter in the digital rebirth of our nation. By launching the national digital identification system, we lay a cornerstone for a Democratic Republic of Congo that is digitally sovereign, financially inclusive, and resilient to tomorrow’s challenges. As we begin phased deployment of DRCPass, we are not merely adopting innovation; we are shaping the future of governance in Africa,” said H.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs of the DRC.

According to GSMA Intelligence, the DRC has more than 80 million mobile subscribers and an expanding base of banked citizens populations that will directly benefit from secure e-KYC services.

About Trident
Trident is a leading catalyst for digital transformation in technology optimization and Web 3.0 activation. Its flagship product, Tridentity, is a blockchain-based identity platform that is designed to deliver secure single-sign-on authentication across diverse industries. Trident’s mission is to become a global leader in Web 3.0 enablement, connecting organizations to reliable and secure digital infrastructure with optimized user experiences, with a strong focus on Southern Africa and other high-growth markets.

Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that the national digital identification system and the e-KYC process will not materialize as contemplated under the PPP agreement. A number of factors could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the risk and uncertainties as to the timing of the implementation of the agreement; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships; adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; and actions by third parties, including government agencies; the Company’s strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the digital solutions market; the political, economic, social and legal developments in the jurisdictions that the Company operates in or in which the Company intends to expand its business and operations; the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor & Media Contacts
Investor Relations
Robin Yang, Partner – ICR LLC
investor@tridentity.me | +1 (212) 321-0602

Media Relations
Brad Burgess, SVP – ICR LLC
brad.burgess@icrinc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8672d8e2-07e1-4248-9dc8-3cae467061a5

FAQ

What is the DRCPass partnership between Trident Digital Tech (NASDAQ:TDTH) and DRC?

DRCPass is a nationwide digital identification system where Trident serves as the exclusive e-KYC service provider, implementing a Web 3.0-based national digital identity system for over 80 million mobile subscribers in DRC.

What are the four main applications of Trident's DRCPass system in DRC?

The system focuses on: 1) SIM-card registration with biometric-blockchain binding, 2) Seamless e-government portal access with SSO, 3) Digital payments enablement with instant credit scoring, and 4) Digital Citizen Identity for secure transactions.

How will DRC citizens access the new digital identity system?

Citizens can download the 'Tridentity' mobile application after registering for their national ID, which provides secure single-sign-on (SSO) access to authorized applications and websites.

When did Trident (TDTH) initially establish the partnership with DRC?

The collaboration framework was initially established in December 2024, with the final PPP agreement signed in June 2025.

What is the market size for Trident's DRCPass in Congo?

According to GSMA Intelligence, the market includes over 80 million mobile subscribers and an expanding base of banked citizens who will benefit from secure e-KYC services.