By Ayomide Otitoju
Seamfix, a provider of digital identity and biometric solutions for institutions in Africa and globally, has announced the launch of ePass, a digital passport renewal application developed in collaboration with the government of the Republic of Benin.
The ePass application enables Beninese citizens living abroad to apply for and renew their international passports entirely online, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates. Launched globally in October, the service is now available in more than 80 countries.
Built on Seamfix’s GovSmart platform, which supports digital identity and government service delivery, ePass fully digitises the passport renewal process. Through a secure mobile application, eligible citizens can submit required documents, capture biometric data using personal devices equipped with integrated liveness verification, make online payments, and track their applications in real time. Once approved, passports are produced by the relevant government authority and either delivered to applicants by courier or made available for collection at embassies.
The solution was implemented in close collaboration with Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration (DEI Benin) and is now fully operational, with growing adoption among diaspora communities.
Commenting on the launch, Seamfix Group Chief Executive Officer, Chimezie Emewulu, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to enabling secure identity verification and access to essential services. He noted that ePass removes distance as a barrier to reliable identification and public service delivery, reducing the need for travel, time off work or studies, and prolonged embassy visits for biometric capture. According to him, the platform expands equitable access to public services and reinforces individuals’ right to identity, while Seamfix’s UK-based operations and access to global banking and payment infrastructure support governments and citizens across Africa and beyond.
