Planned Digital ID System to Integrate Somalia’s Biometric National ID Into Banking

The Somali government plans to launch a national digital identification system—a collaboration between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association (SBA), aiming to integrate the Somali National ID system with the banking sector.

NIRA Director General Abdiwali Tima’adde emphasized that the partnership will advance Somalia’s economy by reducing financial risks such as fraud and money laundering while ensuring access to modern, secure financial services that meet international standards. The initiative also focuses on making registration and National ID issuance more accessible to the public, with the support of key stakeholders, including the World Bank, which has been instrumental in the implementation of the ID system.

Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama highlighted the central role of the national ID card in Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, which is currently under formulation. “The agreement with the Somali Bankers Association is a major step towards formally integrating the Somali economy with global financial systems,” he said.

The collaboration between NIRA and Somali banks is also expected to play a key role in advancing digitalization and financial inclusion in the country. The introduction of a Tax Identification Number linked to the National ID System is one of the upcoming initiatives aimed at streamlining the tax system and strengthening Somalia’s financial infrastructure.

The news comes after a major step forward last year, when the government launched its biometric national ID system in September, marking the return of a national identity registry after a 30-year absence. The government aims to register 15 million Somalis for the national ID by the end of 2026.

The system includes biometric data collection, with authorities registering Somalis’ face and fingerprint biometrics and digitizing their signatures. NIRA has been leading the implementation of that digital identity system.

Sources: The Standard, The Star

–

August 26, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith