In just five years, TOPPAN Security has emerged as a real force in the global identity solutions market. Backed by TOPPAN, one of the world’s largest technology companies, TOPPAN Security has made strategic acquisitions and tactical moves, notably expanding its footprint in Africa. With the recent launch of the new Ethiopian ePassport, the ongoing construction of a state-of- the-art facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the recent acquisition of Citizen Identity Solutions from HID, the company is clearly on an upward trajectory.
In this exclusive interview, ID & Secure Document News™ speaks with Jean-Pierre Ting, President of TOPPAN Security, about the company’s rapid ascent, strategic vision, and future ambitions.
Jean-Pierre Ting, President of TOPPAN Security
Q: To what do you attribute TOPPAN Security’s growth over the past five years?
A: Our rapid growth comes down to a combination of agility, experience, and strategic support. We operate with the agility of a startup, we make quick and bold decisions and adapt instantly to market changes. But we also have the strong backing of TOPPAN headquarters in Japan, one of the world’s largest technology companies, giving us the means to stand toe-to-toe with more established competitors and access cutting-edge innovations.
We anticipate challenges and develop solutions that resonate with our customers.
Our strategic locations worldwide have also been crucial, placing us close to highgrowth markets.
Q: TOPPAN Security just launched the new Ethiopian ePassport. What makes this project particularly significant for you?
A: This project is a testament to our strategic vision and commitment to the African market. The new Ethiopian passport is not just a document; it symbolises a new era of secure and efficient identity management. By building a dedicated and top-notch production facility in Ethiopia, we are staying true to our word and to our commitment to this fantastic country.
This project also showcases our end-toend capability – from secure document design to high-tech production and personalised issuance. It’s a holistic approach that ensures security, scalability, and sovereignty for the Ethiopian government.
As TOPPAN Security continues its journey, it stands as a testament to the power of vision, agility, and strategic foresight. The launch of the Ethiopian passport marks a milestone for Ethiopia and a bold statement from TOPPAN Security, showcasing its commitment to shaping the future of global identity solutions.
Q: TOPPAN Security has been notably active in Africa. What’s driving your strategic focus on the continent?
A: Africa is undergoing a remarkable digital transformation, with secure identity solutions at the heart of this evolution.
As populations grow and the need for seamless digital access to government and financial services increases, secure and reliable identity management has never been more critical.
We see tremendous potential in supporting African governments to modernise their identity ecosystems, enhance security, and facilitate cross-border mobility. Our growing footprint in Africa reflects our longterm commitment to the region. We are selling more than products and solutions; we are building partnerships to support sustainable growth and development.
Q: With the acquisition of Citizen Identity Solutions from HID, what strategic advantages does this bring to TOPPAN Security?
A: This acquisition is a strategic milestone that significantly enhances our international capabilities. It broadens our product portfolio, strengthens our technological expertise, and brings in a team with deep industry knowledge and global experience.
We are now better positioned to provide integrated identity solutions that cater to a wide range of needs – from foundational national IDs to advanced digital credentials.
This acquisition also reinforces our leadership in secure document issuance, biometric authentication, and mobile identity solutions.
Q: TOPPAN Security has made several other acquisitions recently. Can you elaborate on your growth strategy?
A: Our growth strategy is a blend of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. By acquiring complementary companies and expanding into key regions with high strategic potential, we enhance our product offerings, broaden our geographic reach, and accelerate technological advancements.
Each acquisition is carefully chosen to strengthen our position as a leader in secure identity solutions. Digital identity platforms, biometrics, and mobile solutions are the keys to the future of identity management. We are fully convinced of that, and you will soon see us play a major role in these initiatives.
Q: What’s next for TOPPAN Security? Where do you see the company in the next five years?
A: Identity fraud is rising at an alarming rate throughout the world, especially in the digital world. Our role is not to just supply technology to governments, it’s to fully accompany them in their fight against criminal activities, identify their weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and neutralise the more and more sophisticated attacks with a constantly evolving set of solutions. We are fully committed to leading this evolution by expanding our mobile identity offerings and integrating secure, end-to-end ecosystems while continuing to deliver high-quality physical identity solutions.
We are investing heavily in research and development to explore emerging technologies. Our ambition is to constantly be ahead of the counterfeiters and constantly redefine how identity is managed, verified, and trusted globally.
We will continue to expand our presence in strategic markets, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while strengthening our partnerships with governments worldwide. Our vision is to empower societies with secure and inclusive identity solutions, enabling seamless access to services and opportunities.
