By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s strides in Civil Registration and Digital Identity continue to gain international acclaim, with the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, invited to speak at two prestigious ID4Africa events in 2025. His participation will highlight Sierra Leone’s leadership in Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identity Management, positioning the nation as a model for others across Africa.
Historically, Sierra Leone’s identity management system was fragmented, leading to inefficiencies, duplication and fraud. However, under DG Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s leadership since 2018, the NCRA has revolutionized the sector. By harmonizing Civil Registration and Identity Management processes, Sierra Leone has successfully linked National Identification Numbers (NINs) to essential services such as education, banking, employment and social programs. Today, approximately 90% of citizens and residents possess biometric NINs, a milestone in the country’s history.
On March 26, 2025, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi will participate as an expert speaker in the ID4Africa Livecast, themed: “Civil Registration in Africa.” The event, to be hosted by globally renowned identity expert Dr. Joseph Atick, Executive Chairman of ID4Africa, will bring together Government representatives, industry experts and development partners to discuss best practices in Civil Registration and Identity Management.
Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi will share insights on Sierra Leone’s journey, including the successful implementation of the APAI-CRVS framework—a system integrating Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Identity Management. He will be joined by representatives from Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Kenya and UNICEF, showcasing Sierra Leone’s influence in shaping identity management policies across Africa.
In May 2025, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi will take the stage at the ID4Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Under the theme: “Digital Identity at Scale: Prioritizing Use, Accelerating Impact,” he will discuss the impact of Sierra Leone’s digital identity transformation. His presentation will highlight the NCRA Act of 2016, which mandates Civil Registration and NINs for Government services, emphasizing inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Dr. Atick, in recognizing Sierra Leone’s achievements, remarked, “I am really proud of Sierra Leone and impressed with your progress. I am committed to making sure the world is aware of what you have accomplished and to give you the opportunity to teach our brothers and sisters in Africa how to achieve similar successes.”
Since assuming leadership, DG Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi has spearheaded significant reforms with the support of President Julius Maada Bio, who has been instrumental in championing Civil Registration as a pillar of national development. The introduction of biometric NINs has not only enhanced identity security but has also streamlined Government services, making registration a requirement for accessing public benefits.
Sierra Leone’s transformation has attracted study visits from several African nations, including Nigeria, The Gambia, Liberia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and Namibia, all seeking to learn from the country’s model.
Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s expertise in identity management has made him a sought-after speaker at global events, including:
- ID4Africa Annual Conferences
- Annual TRUSTECH Conference in France
- Digital Public Goods Conference in Rwanda
He also holds key global positions, such as:
- Regional Vice-Chair, Bureau of Civil Registration and ID for West Africa
- ID4Africa Ambassador (since 2019)
- Member of the Global Advisory Committee on Secured Identity Alliance (SIA)
Sierra Leone’s approach to identity management is founded on the principle that “Civil Registration is a right and a must, leaving no one behind.” By linking identity to Government services, the country ensures that all citizens and residents can access essential services efficiently and securely.
With DG Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s upcoming appearances at ID4Africa, Sierra Leone continues to cement its role as a leader in Africa’s digital identity landscape. As nations across the continent seek to build robust, inclusive identity systems, Sierra Leone’s success story offers invaluable lessons; proof that visionary leadership and policy coherence can transform challenges into opportunities.
