The Central Bank of Somalia has announced that from now on, citizens must present a national identity card to access banking services, such as opening accounts, withdrawing and depositing money, and applying for loans.
The move, a joint initiative of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association, will first be implemented in the Banadir region before being rolled out nationwide.
The Central Bank said the new law is aimed at combating the use of fake identities, money laundering, and strengthening the security of financial services. This is part of the National Transformation Plan adopted in March 2025, which aims to build modern government institutions and strengthen citizen trust.
Somalia has been without a formal identity system for more than 30 years since the collapse of the central government in 1991. In September 2023, the country began issuing biometric cards, and they have been implemented in areas including Mogadishu, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Las Anod.
Prime Minister Hamse Abdi said that this national identity system is a solution to many problems in the country, such as elections, security, and access to economic opportunities.
