Somalia Enforces Digital ID for Banking From Sept 1

Published Date : 7/31/2025 

Starting September 1, 2023, Somalia will require citizens to present a national digital ID issued by NIRA for banking transactions. This move aims to enhance identity verification and account security. 

A new rule will soon go into effect in Somalia mandating citizens wishing to open a new bank account or update an old one to present a national digital ID issued by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

The Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) issued a statement on July 29 informing citizens of this move, which is supported by NIRA and the Somali Bankers Association. The new regulation will take effect from September 1, beginning in the Benadir region, and will be progressively rolled out in the rest of the country.

In the statement, the Central Bank said, “This decision by the Central Bank follows a directive issued by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, which requires all governmental and private institutions to integrate the National Identification System into the provision of essential services.” Bank customers whose identification has expired must renew their account information using the NIRA-issued National ID.

These changes are part of the implementation of CBS’s electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) framework, which aims to enhance the security and integrity of customer identity verification processes in the financial sector. Authorities say the move is also to strengthen transparency and accountability in the national financial system, prevent fraudulent use of banking services through false or unverifiable IDs, and facilitate more efficient and secure customer service in the banking sector.

The CBS is encouraging Somalis to continue showing up to register for the national digital ID either at bank branches designated and authorized by NIRA or at NIRA service centers. The Authority is standing up Somalia’s national digital ID with financial support from the World Bank.

NIRA has been emphasizing the need for stronger national digital ID updates, as the country aims to enroll at least 15 million people in the next four years. Recently, the government also made the national ID mandatory for obtaining a driver’s license and other documents from the Transport ministry. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the new rule in Somalia regarding banking transactions?

A: Starting September 1, 2023, citizens in Somalia must present a national digital ID issued by NIRA to open a new bank account or update an existing one.

Q: Why is the Central Bank of Somalia implementing this rule?

A: The rule is part of efforts to strengthen identity verification mechanisms, enhance account security, and prevent fraudulent use of banking services.

Q: Where will the new rule be implemented first?

A: The new rule will be implemented first in the Benadir region and will be progressively rolled out to the rest of the country.

Q: What is the NIRA-issued National ID used for?

A: The NIRA-issued National ID is used for various essential services, including opening bank accounts, updating account information, and obtaining a driver’s license.

Q: How is Somalia supporting the implementation of the national digital ID?

A: Somalia is receiving financial support from the World Bank to establish and roll out the national digital ID system, aiming to enroll at least 15 million people in the next four years. 

More Related Topics :