• Platform enables access to taxes, banking, civil records

• Government says biometric data stored by interior ministry

Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Monday launched the Mobile ID platform at the close of the National Digital Identity Forum held at the People’s Palace.

Designed to simplify and secure access to public and private services, Mobile ID enables users to authenticate electronically via smartphone or a unique digital identifier. The government says the platform will streamline administrative processes, improve transparency in dealings with public institutions and support Djibouti’s integration into the digital economy. Initial services will include access to civil registry records, tax filings, bank account opening and electronic signatures for official documents.

Authorities also plan to use Mobile ID to enable interoperability between government databases. Over time, documents such as driving licences and certain health records could be linked to a citizen’s unique digital ID. The interior minister cited the example of emergency doctors being able to access a patient’s essential medical information through biometric identification.

The project is part of a broader public administration reform agenda, including the five-year “Djibouti Digital Foundation” programme, which aims to expand broadband infrastructure, develop digital skills and strengthen mobile and internet coverage nationwide. The launch comes as connectivity improves. DataReportal estimates Djibouti had 616,000 active mobile connections at the end of 2025, equivalent to 51.9% of the population, while 772,000 people were internet users, representing 65% penetration.

Data protection remains a key issue. Responding to privacy concerns, the government said biometric data would be stored solely by the interior ministry. Other institutions would access information only through a secure server-to-server query system, ensuring national control over data and confidentiality, authorities said.

Samira Njoya