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Seamfix, a leading provider of digital identity and biometric solutions, has partnered with the Government of the Republic of Benin to launch ePass, a self-service digital passport renewal platform designed specifically for Beninese citizens living abroad.
Powered by Seamfix’s GovSmart government digital identity and service delivery platform, the application allows diaspora citizens to renew their international passports entirely online, eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or consular offices.
The ePass platform was launched globally in October and is currently accessible in more than 80 countries, marking a major milestone in Benin’s efforts to modernise public service delivery and improve access to essential government services for its diaspora population.
The solution was developed and deployed through close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Direction de l’Émigration et de l’Immigration (DEI Benin) and is now fully operational, with adoption steadily increasing across diaspora communities worldwide.
Built on the GovSmart platform, ePass digitises the entire passport renewal process. Through a secure mobile application, eligible citizens can complete their applications from their homes, upload required documents, submit biometric data using their personal devices, make online payments, and track the status of their applications in real time.
Once approved, renewed passports are produced by the relevant government authority and delivered to applicants via courier services or made available for collection at designated embassies, further reducing the need for in-person visits.
Speaking on the launch, Group Chief Executive Officer of Seamfix, Chimezie Emewulu, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to expanding secure access to identity and government services.
“At Seamfix, our goal is simple: enabling people to securely prove who they are so they can access the opportunities they deserve,” Emewulu said. “With ePass, distance is no longer a barrier to trusted identification or access to essential government services. By eliminating long-distance travel, time away from work or school, and extended embassy visits for biometric capture, ePass expands equal access to public services and reinforces every individual’s right to their identity.”
Emewulu also noted that Seamfix’s UK-based operations, with access to global banking and payment infrastructure, enable the company to support governments and citizens seamlessly across Africa and beyond.
Branded specifically for Beninese citizens abroad, the ePass application addresses long-standing challenges faced by diaspora populations, including embassy congestion, lengthy processing times, and high travel costs.
The platform enables both adult and minor passport renewals, incorporates built-in liveness checks for biometric capture, ensures secure document submission, supports online payments, and provides end-to-end application tracking from submission to production.
From a security standpoint, the ePass application is fully integrated with Benin’s national identity and immigration systems through the GovSmart platform. This integration allows for real-time identity verification while maintaining strong data protection measures.
According to Seamfix, the deployment complies with internationally recognised data privacy and information security standards, ensuring that sensitive personal information is handled securely.
Beyond Benin, Seamfix views the ePass deployment as a blueprint for other governments seeking to modernise passport and identity services for citizens living outside their home countries.
Chief Operating Officer of Seamfix, Frank Atube, said the platform demonstrates how digital identity solutions can be both secure and scalable.
“GovSmart provides governments with a scalable foundation for secure digital service delivery,” Atube said. “The ePass deployment shows that governments can modernise critical citizen services without compromising control, compliance, or future expansion.”
Through the GovSmart platform, Seamfix supports governments with both citizen-facing digital applications and comprehensive administrative back-end systems for ministries, immigration agencies, and consular networks, accommodating both self-service and assisted registration models.
Seamfix currently provides digital identity, biometric, and data capture solutions to governments and enterprises across Africa and globally. The company has verified over 400 million identities and operates in seven countries, delivering secure systems that underpin public services and national development initiatives.
Further information about Seamfix and its solutions is available at www.seamfix.com.
L-R:: Ebuka Oguno, Head of Sales; Frank Atube, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer; Hon. Shegun Adjadi Bakari, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Benin; Thierry M. Ahouassou, Chief Information Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr Roméo Hounkponou, Legal Lead, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Benin.
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