Somalia is taking a transformative leap toward modern governance and socio-economic development with the rollout of its National Identification System (SNIDS). Spearheaded by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the initiative aims to issue biometric IDs to 15 million Somali citizens by 2026. According to NIRA Director, the system lays the groundwork for a secure, efficient, and inclusive national identification ecosystem that will empower citizens and enhance governance.
A crucial partner in Somalia’s digital journey is Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). As stated by NADRA, the collaboration—formalized through a $10.5 million agreement—has enabled Somalia to build a state-of-the-art biometric infrastructure. NADRA has supported Somalia with advanced technology, ID personalization equipment, secure data centers, and capacity-building initiatives. Their ongoing technical assistance reflects not only strong bilateral ties but also a shared commitment to modernizing identity systems.
A global benchmark inspiring Somalia’s efforts is India’s Aadhaar program, cited as the largest biometric identification system worldwide. As reported by UIDAI, Aadhaar has provided unique IDs to over 88% of India’s population. Beyond establishing identity, Aadhaar played a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion. Its integration into banking systems, telecom sectors, and welfare programs has enabled millions of Indians to access formal financial services, facilitated streamlined KYC processes, and catalyzed fintech innovation. As highlighted by the World Bank, India’s model has been instrumental in reducing fraud, improving public service delivery, and driving digital payment ecosystems.
For Somalia, similar outcomes are anticipated. The SNIDS initiative is poised to strengthen financial inclusion, ensure fair elections, improve healthcare access, and reduce fraud. However, the government must remain vigilant about key impediments. Protecting data privacy, ensuring cybersecurity, fostering public trust, and guaranteeing inclusivity—particularly in remote communities—are critical success factors. As emphasized in discussions led by NIRA and UNDP, robust legal frameworks and continuous investment in infrastructure will be essential.
