Somalia leaders recently held a three-day consultative workshop to develop a comprehensive legal and infrastructural framework for digital identities. The workshop, inaugurated by Interior Minister Ali Yusuf, included key stakeholders such as government officials, United Nations representatives, and civil society members.
The goal of the meeting was to shape the future of national identification in Somalia. Abdiweli Timacadde, director of Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), highlighted the authority’s central role in these discussions. He noted that NIRA will guide the development of the system to ensure it meets the needs of the Somali people while adhering to both national and international standards. Timacadde emphasized the importance of this workshop in advancing the national identity system.
“This consultative meeting marks a milestone in our journey towards a robust digital identity system for our country,” he said.
“By bringing together diverse stakeholders and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we are laying the foundation for a secure, efficient, and inclusive national identification framework that will empower the Somali people and strengthen our country’s governance.”
Timacadde praised the collaborative efforts of both government and international agencies in bolstering Somalia’s identity infrastructure. The participants presented detailed reports, innovative ideas, and valuable recommendations aimed at creating a modern digital identity system. The discussions underscored the need for a reliable framework that complies with national and international laws. Emphasis was also placed on leveraging modern technology to improve the efficiency and security of the identity system, ensuring effective management of Somali citizens’ identification.
“By facilitating the secure and reliable identification of citizens, a robust digital identity framework will underpin various government services, improve access to opportunities, and strengthen national security.”
The consultative meeting is expected to be a roadmap for Somalia’s digital identity journey, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive and secure future
