Blockchain-Based Identity Management with DID & SSI Integration for National Systems

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ikpe Jonathan Joseph

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

8

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Build a user-friendly blockchain app integrating Decentralized Identifiers (DID) and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), revolutionizing ID management across Africa for enhanced efficiency and security.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

1. Blockchain Experts: Collaboration with blockchain development firms or experts for technical guidance and implementation support.
2. Government Agencies: Cooperation with national identity management agencies or regulatory bodies for access to identity data and compliance with regulations.
3. Financial Institutions: Partnership with banks or financial service providers for integrating payment functionalities and ensuring secure transactions.
4. Legal Advisors: Engagement with legal experts or law firms for navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
5. Security Consultants: Partnership with cybersecurity firms for assessing and enhancing the security of the application and blockchain infrastructure.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project outputs will be open source-available throughout the entire lifecycle, with the codebase hosted on a public repository

• Public GitHub source code.

We intend to use the MIT License for the open-source components, ensuring that the code is freely accessible for others to use, modify, and distribute.

[METADATA] SDG rating

1. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Enhancing efficiency and security in identity management contributes to building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
2. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Strengthening identity management systems can contribute to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies by reducing identity-related fraud and enhancing trust in institutions.
3. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - Improving identity management can facilitate financial inclusion and access to formal financial services, thereby supporting economic growth and creating job opportunities.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Statement:

Identity management in Nigeria and Africa faces significant challenges, including inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and lack of user control over personal data. Traditional systems are often slow, prone to fraud, and fail to adapt to the needs of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The issuance and verification of identity credentials are cumbersome, leading to delays and inefficiencies in accessing essential services. Moreover, the proliferation of fake identification cards exacerbates identity theft and fraud, undermining trust in the system and compromising individuals' security.

Identified Issues in Traditional Identity Management Systems:

1. Inefficiency in Verification Processes: Manual verification processes are time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to delays in accessing services and opportunities.
2. Lack of Data Security and Privacy: Centralized storage of identity information exposes individuals to the risk of data breaches and identity theft, compromising their privacy and security.
3. Limited Accessibility and Usability: Traditional identity systems often lack user-friendly interfaces, making it difficult for individuals to update or verify their information.
4. Difficulty in Updating and Verifying Information: Updating identity information requires cumbersome paperwork and verification procedures, leading to inaccuracies and delays.
5. Proliferation of Fake Identification Cards: The prevalence of counterfeit identification cards undermines the integrity of identity verification processes, increasing the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Key Features:

1. Efficiency: Digitization of identity verification processes streamlines issuance, retrieval, and update of identity credentials, reducing administrative burdens and wait times.
2. Security: Utilization of Cardano blockchain's security features ensures data integrity, protection against fraud, and user control over personal data, enhancing trust and accountability.
3. Accessibility: User-friendly interface makes identity management accessible to individuals across Nigeria and Africa, bridging the gap between traditional and digital identities.
4. Privacy: Implementation of privacy-enhancing features gives users control over their personal data, reducing the risk of identity theft and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
5. Transparency: Enhanced transparency in identity verification processes fosters trust and accountability among users and stakeholders, ensuring fair and equitable access to services and opportunities.
6. Interoperability: Integration with existing identity systems and applications ensures seamless collaboration and adoption across diverse stakeholders, facilitating the transition to a more inclusive and interoperable digital identity ecosystem.

How IDNM Works:

1. User Registration: Individuals register on the IDNM platform, providing necessary identity information.
2. Identity Verification: Identity information verified and stored on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability.
3. User Control: Users have control over their identity data, choosing when and with whom to share information.
4. Secure Transactions: Integrated payment functionalities linked to credit cards enable secure transactions and enhance user convenience.

Key Users:

1. Individuals: Needing secure and efficient identity management solutions for various purposes, including financial transactions, access to services, and verification.
2. Government Agencies: Responsible for identity management and verification, seeking efficient and secure solutions to streamline processes and reduce fraud.
3. Financial Institutions: Requiring reliable identity verification mechanisms for customer onboarding and transaction security.

Benefits:

• Individuals: Secure and efficient identity management, enhanced privacy and control over personal data, improved access to services and opportunities.
• Government Agencies: Streamlined identity verification processes, reduced fraud and administrative burdens, enhanced trust and accountability.
• Financial Institutions: Reliable identity verification mechanisms, improved security and compliance, enhanced customer experience.

Conclusion:

IDNM represents a groundbreaking solution to the challenges of identity management in Nigeria and Africa. By leveraging Cardano's infrastructure and blockchain technology, it offers secure, efficient, and user-controlled identity management solutions, paving the way for a more inclusive, transparent, and trusted digital identity ecosystem. With Identity National management system, individuals, government agencies, and financial institutions can benefit from enhanced security, efficiency, and trust in identity verification processes, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and social development in Nigeria and Africa.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Positive Impact on the Wider Cardano Community:

IDNM aims to make a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by demonstrating the practical utility of blockchain technology in solving real-world challenges, particularly in identity management. By leveraging Cardano's infrastructure and principles of decentralization, transparency, and security, IDNM will showcase the potential of Cardano blockchain in fostering innovation and driving positive social change.

Measuring Impact:

1. Adoption Metrics: Tracking the number of users onboarded onto the IDNM platform and the volume of identity transactions processed through the system.
2. User Feedback: Gathering qualitative feedback from users regarding their experience with IDNM, including satisfaction levels, usability, and perceived benefits.
3. Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits to assess the robustness of IDNM's security features and identify potential vulnerabilities.
4. Partnership Engagements: Monitoring the level of interest and engagement from government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders in adopting IDNM for their identity management needs.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Community Engagement: Hosting webinars, workshops, and community forums to share updates, insights, and best practices related to IDNM.
2. Documentation and Guides: Creating comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and guides to help developers and organizations integrate with IDNM.
3. Social Media and Blog Posts: Regularly updating the Cardano community through social media channels, blog posts, and newsletters about the progress and milestones achieved by IDNM.
4. Partnership Announcements: Collaborating with Cardano ecosystem partners to co-publish case studies, success stories, and joint initiatives highlighting the impact and potential of IDNM.
5. Contributions to Cardano Ecosystem: Actively contributing to the Cardano ecosystem by sharing insights, contributing code to open-source projects, and participating in community-led initiatives and hackathons.

We aim to inspire and empower the wider Cardano community to explore new opportunities and contribute to the growth and adoption of Cardano as a leading blockchain platform.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

My team brings together a diverse range of expertise and experience in blockchain technology, identity management, software development, and project management, positioning us as well-suited to deliver the IDNM project with high levels of trust and accountability.

1. Blockchain Expertise: My team includes an experienced blockchain developer who has successfully implemented blockchain solutions in various domains, demonstrating his technical proficiency and ability to leverage blockchain technology effectively.
2. Identity Management Experience: We have domain expertise in identity management systems, having worked on projects with National Identity management involving the development and implementation of secure and scalable identity solutions. Our understanding of the challenges and requirements in this space enables us to design and deliver a robust identity management platform tailored to the needs of users and stakeholders. My team is proficient in developing scalable, secure, and user-friendly applications. We follow industry best practices and agile methodologies to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality software solutions that meet the needs and expectations of our users.
3. Project Management: My team includes experienced project managers who have successfully led complex projects from inception to completion. We are adept at managing resources, mitigating risks, and ensuring project milestones are met within budget and timeline constraints.

Validation of Feasibility:

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will undertake the following steps:

1. User Research: Conduct comprehensive User research to assess the demand for blockchain-based identity management solutions in Nigeria and Africa. Identify key stakeholders, user requirements, and regulatory considerations to inform the design and development of IDNM.
2. Proof of Concept: Develop a proof of concept prototype to demonstrate the technical feasibility and viability of the IDNM platform. This prototype will showcase key features and functionalities, allowing us to gather feedback from stakeholders and iterate on the design as necessary.
3. Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot testing of the IDNM platform with select users and organizations to evaluate its performance, usability, and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Gather feedback and data to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and standards governing identity management and blockchain technology in Nigeria and Africa. Work closely with legal experts to navigate regulatory challenges and mitigate compliance risks.

Managing Funds Properly:

To ensure proper management of funds, we will implement the following measures:

1. Transparent Budgeting: Develop a detailed budget outlining the allocation of funds for various project activities, including development, marketing, and operational expenses. Transparently communicate budget allocations to stakeholders to ensure accountability and oversight.
2. Financial Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including income, expenses, and budget variances. Provide regular financial reports to stakeholders to track project progress and financial performance.
3. Escrow Services: Utilize escrow services or smart contracts to manage project funds securely, ensuring that funds are released only upon the achievement of predefined milestones and deliverables.
4. Independent Audit: Conduct independent audits of project finances and operations to verify compliance with budgetary constraints, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Share audit reports with stakeholders to demonstrate transparency and accountability in fund management.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Project Initiation

• Objective: Kickstart the project and establish the foundation for development.
• Activities:
• Finalize project scope, requirements, and deliverables.
• Formulate project plan, timeline, and resource allocation.
• Set up development environment and infrastructure.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Project scope, requirements, and plan approval.
• Development environment configured and ready for use.
• Kickoff meeting conducted with the project team.

Prototype Development

• Objective: Develop a prototype version of the IDNM platform with core features.
• Activities:
• Design user interface and user experience (UI/UX) for the IDNM platform.
• Develop smart contracts and backend functionalities for identity management on the Cardano blockchain.
• Implement basic identity verification and transaction processing features.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Prototype version of the IDNM platform developed and deployed.
• Core features such as user registration, identity verification, and transaction processing implemented and functional.
• User interface design reviewed and approval.

Beta Testing and Feedback

• Objective: Conduct beta testing to gather feedback and iterate on the prototype.
• Activities:
• Recruit beta testers from target user groups to participate in testing.
• Deploy the prototype to a test environment and provide access to beta testers.
• Collect feedback on usability, functionality, and performance of the IDNM platform.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Beta testing conducted with a diverse group of users.
• Feedback gathered and documented from beta testers.
• Iterative improvements identified and prioritized based on feedback.

Feature Enhancement and Optimization

• Objective: Enhance and optimize the IDNM platform based on feedback from beta testing.
• Activities:
• Implement iterative improvements and enhancements to the platform based on beta testing feedback.
• Optimize performance, security, and scalability of the platform.
• Conduct additional testing and quality assurance to ensure reliability and stability.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Iterative improvements and enhancements implemented and integrated into the platform.
• Performance, security, and scalability optimizations validated through testing.
• Platform stability and reliability verified through rigorous testing.

Deployment and Launch

• Objective: Prepare for the official launch of the IDNM platform to the public.
• Activities:
• Finalize preparations for platform deployment and launch.
• Conduct user acceptance testing to ensure readiness for launch.
• Develop marketing and promotional materials to generate awareness and attract users.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Platform deployment completed and verified.
• User acceptance testing conducted successfully with no major issues identified.
• Marketing and promotional materials developed and ready for distribution.

Project Close-out and Reporting

• Objective: Close out the project and provide a comprehensive report on project outcomes.
• Activities:
• Prepare a project close-out report documenting project achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Create a video presentation summarizing key highlights and insights from the project.
• Submit final deliverables and project documentation.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Project close-out report completed.
• Video presentation created and shared.
• Final deliverables and project documentation provided for review and archival.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Godfrey has nearly 10 years of experience in development of smart contracts and backend functionalities for the IDNM platform on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring the technical feasibility and integrity of the solution.

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfreyenanghajonas/

Otor Peter has over 7 years in Research and marketing

Developing and executing marketing strategies to promote the IDNM platform, including creating content, managing social media channels, and organizing promotional campaigns to attract users and stakeholders.

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/otor-peter/

Jonathan Joseph

Designing the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) for the IDNM platform, focusing on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that enhance usability and engagement.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget Breakdown:

Development Costs:

• Smart Contract Development: 26,000 ADA
• Research and documentations: 4,000 ADA
• Backend Development: For admin and user 25,000 ADA
• Frontend Development: For admin and User 20,000 ADA
• Total Development Costs: 75,000 ADA

Infrastructure Costs:

• Cloud Hosting Services: 8,000 ADA
• Blockchain Node Hosting: 4,000 ADA
• Total Infrastructure Costs: 12,000 ADA

Third-Party Services:

• Security Audits: 8,000 ADA
• Legal Consultations: 8,000 ADA
• Compliance Services: 4,000 ADA
• Total Third-Party Services: 20,000 ADA

Marketing and Promotion:

• Social Media Marketing: 8,000 ADA
• Content Creation: 4,000 ADA
• Promotional Campaigns: 8,000 ADA
• Transportation cost: 5,000 ADA
• Total Marketing Costs: 20,000 ADA

Project Management:

• Project Manager Salary: 6,000 ADA
• Research and User experience writer: 6,000 ADA
• Tools and Software: 3,000 ADA
• Total Project Management Costs: 15,000 ADA

Documentation and Reporting:

• Documentation Creation: 3,000 ADA
• Reporting Expenses: 3,000 ADA
• Total Documentation Costs: 6,000 ADA

Total Budget Request: 170,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The costs outlined in the budget represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. Proportionality: The costs have been carefully determined based on market rates and industry standards for the services and resources required for the project. We have conducted thorough research to ensure that the proposed budget is proportional to the average wage in our country and typical freelance rates in our industry. This ensures that we are not overpaying for services while also attracting top talent to contribute to the project.
2. Quality Assurance: By allocating funds for security audits, legal consultations, and compliance services, we are prioritizing the quality and integrity of the IDNM platform. These investments will help mitigate risks and ensure that the platform complies with relevant regulations and industry best practices, ultimately safeguarding the interests of users and stakeholders.
3. Market Awareness: The marketing and promotion expenses are essential for raising awareness about the IDNM platform and attracting users to the Cardano ecosystem. By investing in social media marketing, content creation, and promotional campaigns, we aim to reach a wide audience and drive adoption of the platform, thereby increasing the overall value proposition of Cardano.
4. Efficient Resource Allocation: The budget breakdown reflects a strategic allocation of resources across development, infrastructure, third-party services, marketing, project management, and documentation. Each expenditure is justified based on its contribution to the successful implementation and sustainability of the project, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to maximize value for the Cardano ecosystem.