By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a momentous occasion at the ID4Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024, held in Cape Town, South Africa, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and Ambassador for ID4AFRICA in Sierra Leone, received a standing ovation for his exceptional leadership in advancing digital identity in Africa.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, DG Massaquoi led a distinguished delegation from Sierra Leone, comprising technical staff from NCRA, BSL, ECSL, NASSIT, NRA, District Chairmen of Bo and Kailahun, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, female parliamentarians, and a leading Civil Society Activist from CARL SL. The delegation joined over 2000 high-level officials, including Government representatives, NGOs, private sector leaders and global identity experts, to discuss and advance legal identity issues across the continent.
The ID4AFRICA movement, which supports African countries on their identity journeys, facilitated the convergence. As DG Massaquoi took the stage, the audience eagerly anticipated his presentation, highlighting Sierra Leone’s significant progress in civil registration and legal identity.
Dr. Joseph Atick, Executive Chairman of ID4AFRICA, lauded DG Massaquoi’s relentless dedication and vision. “DG Massaquoi,” Dr. Atick began, “you embarked on this journey with sheer determination. From the inception, you defied the odds and proclaimed, ‘We will get this done!’ I felt your resolve and believed in your vision. Congratulations on a job exceptionally well done.”
President Julius Maada Bio, a steadfast supporter of the NCRA, played a crucial role in these achievements. His commitment to prioritizing legal identity in public administration, governance and accountability was a beacon for other African leaders.
During his address, DG Massaquoi not only represented Sierra Leone but also called on his African counterparts to emulate President Bio’s example. The presentation concluded with a video of President Bio’s speech at the 74th UN General Assembly, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and Legal Identity through partnerships and innovation.
Following the presentation, identity leaders from Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, Rwanda, Zambia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda expressed interest in visiting Sierra Leone to learn from its advancements. DG Massaquoi advised these countries to engage through appropriate channels, beginning with their Ministries of Foreign Affairs, to facilitate this learning exchange.
DG Massaquoi’s journey from the ovation-laden stage to the global podium exemplifies the triumph of visionary leadership and dedication. Under his guidance and with President Bio’s unwavering support, Sierra Leone has become a beacon of progress and an inspiration for the continent. This exemplary leadership promises a future filled with hope and endless possibilities for Africa.
