• Djibouti launched its Mobile ID platform to enable secure digital identification and access to public and private services.

• The government positioned Mobile ID as a core pillar of administrative modernisation and digital economy development.

• Authorities pledged to store biometric data exclusively at the Interior Ministry to address privacy and data sovereignty concerns.

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh officially launched the Mobile ID platform on Monday, February 9. The launch took place alongside the closing session of the National Digital Identity Forum held at the People’s Palace under presidential patronage.

The government designed Mobile ID to simplify and secure citizen access to public and private services. The platform enables electronic authentication through smartphones or a unique digital identifier. Authorities aim to reduce administrative procedures, strengthen transparency in state interactions and anchor Djibouti in a modern digital economy.

Priority use cases include access to civil registry services, tax procedures, bank account opening and electronic signature of official documents.

Beyond administrative simplification, the government plans to use Mobile ID as a data interoperability tool. Authorities expect the platform to integrate documents such as driving licences and selected health information around a single citizen identifier.

The Interior Minister illustrated this objective by citing emergency medical care. He said a doctor could quickly access essential patient health data through a biometric identifier during urgent treatment.

The project forms part of a broader public administration modernisation strategy. Authorities aligned the initiative with programmes such as “Djibouti, Foundation of Digital,” a five-year plan that aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital skills and strengthen mobile and internet coverage nationwide.

The launch comes as connectivity gradually improves. DataReportal data showed Djibouti recorded 616,000 active mobile cellular connections at the end of 2025, representing 51.9% of the population. The data also showed 772,000 internet users, corresponding to a penetration rate of 65%.

However, project success depends largely on data security. The government addressed privacy concerns by stating that the Interior Ministry will store citizens’ biometric data exclusively.

Authorities said other institutions will access information only through a secure system that exchanges encrypted requests and responses between servers. The government said the architecture will preserve data sovereignty and confidentiality.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM