Digital security company Gemalto has announced efforts to tackle fraud and document counterfeiting for the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN) in Cameroon through the deployment of Sealys Color in PC for polycarbonate eID cards for the first time in Africa.

The approach consists of laser engraving high resolution color photos into the durable Sealys card body to provide Cameroon with the benefits of irrefutable proof of identity for its 20 million citizens, according to Gemalto.

The company also says it contributes to the country's comprehensive identity modernisation program with its Coesys enrolment solution, its personalisation platform implementing color laser engraving technology and eID verification terminals.

Martin Mbarga Nguele, the General Delegate to the National Security, Head of DGSN said, "Gemalto is the perfect match for our ambitious project goals. The end-to-end solution will give us full flexibility and autonomy to manage and operate our new national eID program in house. Establishing and verifying every citizen's identity is at the heart of a successful and secure nation state, and we are confident this solution will help us achieve this key strategic objective."

The digital security focused firm added that it will enable DGSN to operate the fully integrated system autonomously via a comprehensive training, maintenance and knowledge transfer program. "DGSN will therefore be in a position to take full responsibility for enrolling citizens and issuing personalised eID cards, then verifying eIDs on the terminals supplied."

Frédéric Trojani, Executive Vice President Government Programs at Gemalto says the first deployment of Color in Polycarbonate in Africa as chosen by DGSN puts Cameroon at the very forefront of the world's secure document programs

"As well as a technological leap towards greater security and efficiency, it will provide the foundation of trust on which a modern digital society and economy can be built. With this new contract, Gemalto surpasses 100 references in government programs."