Introduction
The Somali National ID Conference (SNIDC) is NIRA’s annual flagship platform that brings together policymakers, government institutions, development partners, private sector leaders, and innovators to explore how digital identity can power Somalia’s emerging digital ecosystem.
The first edition, held in September 2023, marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the Somali National ID System and attracted over 600 participants, including high-level government officials, development partners, and representatives from international organizations and the private sector.
Now in its second edition, the 2nd SNIDC — held under the theme “From Identity to Impact: Building Somalia’s Digital Ecosystem” — will convene national and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on the adoption and integration of the Somali National ID system. The conference will feature high-level keynotes, interactive panel sessions, and experience-sharing dialogues focusing on identity governance, technology, and inclusion.
The event will demonstrate how digital identity enables access to education, financial inclusion, humanitarian assistance, and e-governance, while also highlighting best practices from other countries, promoting policy dialogue, and showcasing innovative ID-based solutions tailored to Somalia’s context. This two-day hybrid event will combine in-person and online participation to ensure broad engagement and maximum impact.
Conference Objectives
- Showcase progress in the rollout and adoption of the Somali National ID (SNID).
- Demonstrate how digital ID enables access to education, financial services, humanitarian initiatives, government services, and social protection.
- Foster strong public-private partnerships to expand innovative and inclusive ID-based solutions.
- Engage in dialogue on regulatory frameworks, interoperability, data protection, and digital inclusion to support ID adoption.
- Highlight digital innovations and service platforms through a dedicated Digital Solutions Exhibition.
- Explore pathways to ensure long-term sustainability of the digital ID ecosystem, including business models, financing mechanisms, and institutional ownership.
Thematic Areas
1. ID Adoption & Inclusion
· Strategies to accelerate nationwide registration and utilization of the Somali National ID.
· Approaches to ensure inclusivity across gender, age, nomadic, displaced, and rural populations.
· Overcoming barriers through effective communication, public awareness, and community engagement.
· Promoting trust in the ID system through transparency, accessibility, and citizen participation.
2. Digital ID as an Enabler of Service Delivery
· Demonstrating how the National ID serves as a single source of truth for identity verification across sectors.
· Practical use cases in education, commerce, public administration, and financial services.
· Leveraging the ID system for improved transparency, efficiency, and accountability in service delivery.
· Integrating digital ID into government systems and private sector platforms to enhance access and interoperability.
3. Digital ID for Humanitarian Aid and Social Protection
· Exploring how digital ID supports aid efficiency, prevents duplication, and ensures fair resource distribution.
· Linking identity systems to social protection, disaster response, and welfare programs.
· Ensuring inclusion of vulnerable and displaced populations in humanitarian and resilience-building initiatives.
· Promoting data-driven coordination among government, humanitarian, and development partners.
4. Digital Finance and eKYC Integration
· Strengthening Know-Your-Customer (KYC) compliance through secure digital identity.
· Expanding access to financial services for individuals and businesses through digital verification.
· Fostering innovation and inclusion in digital banking, mobile money, and remittance ecosystems.
· Supporting regulatory alignment and collaboration between NIRA, CBS, and the financial sector.
5. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Data Systems
· Building an integrated digital ecosystem linking ID, payments, and data exchange platforms.
· Advancing interoperability, trust frameworks, and data governance for digital transformation.
· Exploring the role of DPI in enabling efficient, inclusive, and secure public services.
6. Cross-Border Movement and Regional Interoperability
· Facilitating cross-border integration through digital identity systems within the East African Community (EAC).
· Aligning Somalia’s ID architecture with regional interoperability standards.
· Exploring how digital IDs can enable secure movement of people, goods, and services.
· Strengthening collaboration with IGAD and regional digital transformation initiatives.
7. Policy, Legal, and Governance Frameworks
· Strengthening institutional governance to support sustainable digital identity management.
· Promoting regional and international alignment with global best practices on digital identity.
· Ensuring inclusivity and citizen trust through ethical governance and clear oversight mechanisms.
8. Public–Private Partnerships and Innovation
· Fostering collaboration between government, private sector, and development partners for scalable ID solutions.
· Showcasing innovations and digital platforms powered by the Somali National ID (SNID).
· Creating space for startups and ICT entrepreneurs to leverage ID for new service models.
· Building an enabling environment for technology-driven public service delivery.
Agenda Highlights
- Keynote Speeches: Insights from government officials, global experts, and partners on digital identity in development.
- Panel Discussions: In-depth exchanges on the challenges and opportunities in implementing Somalia’s National ID system.
- Workshops & Presentations: Interactive sessions focused on digital finance, social protection, migration, and innovation.
- Networking & Exhibitions: Platforms for collaboration, showcasing technology solutions, and building new partnerships.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the conference, the following outcomes are expected:
- Enhanced Confidence in the Somali National ID System: Strengthened public trust and partner engagement in NIRA’s systems and achievements.
- Demonstration of Key Digital Platforms: Showcasing the Hubiye Platform, e-Aqoonsi App, and NIRA Wallet, as transformative tools for service delivery.
- Increased Public Awareness: Improved citizen understanding and participation in ID registration.
- Stronger Public–Private Partnerships: Deeper collaboration with financial institutions and technology providers.
- Expanded International Cooperation: Renewed donor engagement and technical collaboration for digital transformation.
- Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices: A compendium of case studies and policy insights to inform future digital ID efforts.
Target Audience
The conference will host approximately 700 participants, including:
- Government officials and parliamentarians
- Civil society and community leaders
- Private sector and banking representatives
- Development partners and donor agencies
- Academia, researchers, and digital innovators
- Media professionals and the general public
Conclusion
The 2nd Somali National ID Conference (SNIDC) represents a defining moment in Somalia’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable digital governance. It will bring together diverse stakeholders to reflect, learn, and collaborate on the role of digital identity in national transformation.
Under the leadership of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the conference will serve as a platform to exchange insights, forge partnerships, and co-create a roadmap for a trusted and citizen-centered identity ecosystem.
Together, we can transform identity into impact — making the Somali National ID a cornerstone for good governance, economic empowerment, and social inclusion, while building the foundation for a resilient and innovative digital Somalia.
