NIRA Launches eAqoonsi Digital ID App for Somali Citizens

MOGADISHU — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially launched the eAqoonsi mobile application, allowing Somali citizens to carry their National ID digitally on their smartphones. The app is now available for download on both Google Play and the Apple App Store .

The eAqoonsi App provides citizens with secure access to their digital National ID, which NIRA states carries the same legal validity as the physical ID card . The app features identity verification through photo matching and QR code scanning for secure transactions .

“e-Aqoonsi App wuxuu kuu sahlayaa inaad si fudud ula soo degto Aqoonsigaaga Qaranka oo dhijitaal ah. Sharci ahaanna wuxuu u dhigmaa Aqoonsiga lafta ah,” NIRA stated in an announcement on X (formerly Twitter) .

Digital ID Ecosystem and National Infrastructure

The eAqoonsi app was officially launched alongside the HUBIYE Verification Platform and the Certificate Delivery System (CDS) in May 2025 at a high-level ceremony in Mogadishu. The HUBIYE platform allows secure identity verification for government and private sector services, while the CDS streamlines the delivery of printed ID certificates . Through NIRA’s Hubiye Platform, public and private institutions can access seamless ID verification and eKYC services, with multiple organizations already utilizing it to authenticate customers using National IDs .

NIRA officially announced the commencement of the printing process for Somalia’s National ID cards in January 2025, marking a significant step in the implementation of the National ID program . NIRA Director General Abdiweli Ali Abdulle has described the system as “a modern, secure, and efficient alternative to the physical national ID card” .

NIRA has also been engaging internationally, deploying a delegation to Riyadh for talks with Saudi counterparts on national identification and civil registration as Somalia continues to digitize all its national ID systems. The delegation, led by Director General Abdiweli Timacadde, held talks with their Saudi counterparts on advancing digital identity systems.

Somalia participated in the ID4Africa 2026 Annual General Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with a high-level NIRA delegation led by Director General Abdiweli Ali Abdulle “Timacadde.” The conference focused on building inclusive and sustainable digital ID systems as foundational infrastructure for modern governance .

The National ID System: Progress and Challenges

NIRA has issued over one million National Identification Cards nationwide. However, card issuance remains pending in Puntland, Somaliland, and Jubbaland states due to political, administrative, or technical obstacles, with some regional administrations not authorizing the process to start in their areas . Tens of thousands of individuals who registered months ago have complained about not receiving their ID cards, voicing confusion over the delays .

The National ID rollout reached Waajid district in the Bakool region in November 2025, marking a milestone in modernizing the civil registration system. The launch ceremony drew local officials, traditional elders, security representatives, and residents eager to be part of what many described as a “historic moment” for the community .

NIRA has also expanded its service infrastructure with a new service center in Boondheere District, Benadir region, aimed at streamlining the issuance of national IDs, birth certificates, and other critical documents . This aligns with NIRA’s broader strategy to modernize Somalia’s civil registry infrastructure .

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has linked all its public services to the National Identification System, complying with a directive issued by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre aimed at improving governance, security, and service delivery. This includes shareholders of transport companies, applicants for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration changes, and various vehicle permits . NIRA has commended the ministry for taking swift action and encouraged other sectors to follow suit .

Since March 2026, the National ID Card has been mandatory for all domestic travel, with the Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) enforcing biometric verification for passengers. This launch marks a major administrative milestone for the federal government following the initial two-month extension of the compliance deadline . The ICA aims to strengthen national security oversight and enhance operational efficiency at vital transportation hubs .

The Interior Ministry has emphasized that NIRA is the sole federal institution legally mandated to produce, register, and distribute National IDs across the country. Any attempt to interfere with this process or issue unauthorized identification documents constitutes a violation of federal law .

NIRA has worked to waive registration fees to improve access to humanitarian aid, streamlining humanitarian and emergency response programs to ensure vulnerable populations receive timely support. The government has also partnered with China to advance the national ID system .

NIRA has expanded services to the diaspora with a new service center at the Somali Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, extending registration services to Somali citizens residing in the Southern African region. The facility was formally inaugurated by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to South Africa .

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concluded the Second National Identity Conference (SNIDC2025) in Mogadishu, highlighting advancements in developing the nation’s unified digital identity system. “To prove you are a Somali citizen starts with obtaining the National ID card,” the President stated. He called on all government institutions to collaborate and emphasized the need for every Somali citizen to obtain the National ID .

Critical Note

The launch of the eAqoonsi digital ID app represents a significant step in Somalia’s digital transformation and the modernization of its national identity system. The app’s legal equivalence to the physical ID card and its integration with government services could streamline access to essential services and strengthen the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure.

However, significant challenges remain. Regional resistance from Puntland, which has launched its own civilian registration agency, highlights the political tensions surrounding the federal ID system. Puntland has cited lack of legal clarity and fears it could undermine regional self-governance, with the Ministry of Interior urging residents not to participate and warning that citizens engaging with the federal system could face penalties . This fragmentation undermines the goal of a unified national identity system.

The $125 million funding gap raises questions about the sustainability of the program, and the digital divide means that many Somali citizens may be excluded from the digital ID system. The government must adopt a multi-channel approach to ensure inclusivity, as the Baidoa pilot has demonstrated can work . The long queues and logistical challenges at registration centers indicate that the system is struggling to meet demand .

The integration of the national ID with government and private services creates a centralized database that could be vulnerable to misuse. Digital rights advocates warn that without clear legal frameworks, the program risks exclusion or misuse . The Somali Data Protection Act provides a legal framework, but enforcement and oversight mechanisms remain weak. As the digital ID system expands, the government must ensure that robust safeguards are in place to protect citizens’ data and prevent its exploitation.