Technology
Digital ID and eKYC
Somalia now has a national ID system and a shared identity check that every commercial bank uses. At least 1 million national IDs had been issued by November 2025, with a target of 15 million by 2029, and the Hubiye check serves 1.2 million people across 25 services.
The force
A country runs on knowing who people are: to open a bank account, get a loan, receive aid or sign a contract. Somalia is building that base now.
Inside the country
- National ID. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) had enrolled at least 1 million citizens by November 2025, and more than 24 public and private services were linked to it. The target is 15 million IDs by 2029, and a digital ID card is planned for 2026 (Biometric Update).
- Hubiye identity check (eKYC). "eKYC" means checking who a customer is electronically. Hubiye serves 1.2 million people across 25 linked services, including the whole commercial banking sector. Somalia passed its first eKYC law in December 2024. Women make up 47.3% of those enrolled (UNDP).
- Reaching displaced people. Mobile registration teams enrolled 38,026 displaced people in one month, at under $1 each (UNDP).
- Costs and gaps. UNDP estimates the system saves $4.2 million a year, and it has a $14 million funding gap for 2026 (UNDP).
Outside the country
Other countries show how far this base can carry. India has issued more than 1.44 billion Aadhaar IDs and pays benefits straight into accounts; cutting fake beneficiaries saved more than ₹4.31 lakh crore between 2015 and 2024 (Government of India, PIB). Estonia's X-Road links government databases so people give their information only once, and it runs more than 3,800 e-services (e-Estonia).
Why it is a tailwind
When identity checks are shared, a new service does not need to build its own. A school, clinic, lender or job platform can confirm who someone is in seconds. Combined with mobile money, which more than 89% of Somalis already use (TechCabal), it lets services reach people across the whole country.
What to watch
Identity data must be protected. Who can see it, and what happens if it is lost or misused, matter as much as how many IDs are issued.
What it means for young Somalis
A young person with an ID can open an account, prove their qualifications and be paid for work, at home or online. 15 million IDs by 2029 would cover most adults.
Sources
- Biometric Update · biometricupdate.com
- UNDP · undp.org
- Government of India, PIB · static.pib.gov.in
- e-Estonia · e-estonia.com
- TechCabal · techcabal.com
Gathered in our research record “Foundational tailwinds”. Wikipedia is used only as a backup.
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Since 1895, every generation has worked for one united, prosperous Somalia. Now it is our generation.
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