By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone’s strides in Civil Registration and Digital Identity will be spotlighted globally, as Mr. Mohamed Massaquoi, the Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Civil Registration and Identity Authority (NCRA), is set to headline two flagship ID4Africa events in 2025. This recognition highlights the nation’s emergence as a regional leader in the integration of Civil Registration, Vital Statistics, and Identity Management—offering inspiration across Africa.
Transformative Leadership Recognized
Under Massaquoi’s leadership since 2018, Sierra Leone has moved away from fragmented ID systems and inefficiencies, implementing revolutionary reforms. The NCRA has harmonized processes to curb fraud and waste, achieving a historic milestone by linking national identity numbers (NINs) to essential services for 90% of citizens. These biometric NINs are now pivotal for accessing education, financial services, employment, and social programs.
Sharing Lessons at ID4Africa Events
On March 26, 2025, Massaquoi will participate in the ID4Africa Live cast, themed Civil Registration in Africa. Hosted by Executive Chairman Dr. Joseph Atick, the event will feature leaders from Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Kenya. Massaquoi will outline Sierra Leone’s journey, focusing on the adoption of APAI-CRVS, a framework harmonizing Civil Registration with ID systems.
Later in May 2025, Massaquoi will present 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 strategies for maximizing societal benefits through robust identity systems.
Global Endorsements and Recognition
Dr. Atick has praised Sierra Leone’s achievements, stating, “I am really proud of Sierra Leone and impressed with your progress. I am committed to making sure we make the world aware of what you have accomplished.” Since 2018, Sierra Leone’s reforms have set benchmarks under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
As ID4Africa’s Ambassador since 2019, West Africa’s Bureau of Civil Registration Vice-Chair, and a respected speaker at international conferences, Massaquoi has positioned Sierra Leone as a hub for innovation in Civil Registration and ID management. His leadership has attracted attention across Africa, with countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, and Ethiopia visiting to learn from Sierra Leone’s breakthroughs.
With these upcoming appearances, Sierra Leone solidifies its role as a pioneer in Africa’s digital identity revolution. The nation’s journey exemplifies how visionary leadership can turn challenges into opportunities.