Somalia’s eAqoonsi App: A Digital Leap Forward or a Risk of Exclusion?

Somalia’s eAqoonsi App: A Digital Leap Forward or a Risk of Exclusion?

On a roadside in Elasha Biyaha near Mogadishu, Sharmarke Aden struggles to access his digital ID through the eAqoonsi app.
What should be a simple process turns into hours of frustration due to weak internet and limited digital skills. His experience reflects a broader challenge facing Somalia’s digital transformation. The gap between policy ambition and real-life conditions remains significant.

For Aden, this is not about innovation—it’s about practicality.
Can a working citizen access services without losing time or income? The answer, for many, is still unclear. While digital tools promise efficiency, they often fail to account for everyday realities. This disconnect is shaping public perception of digital government.

Somalia is investing heavily in digital public infrastructure (DPI).This includes systems like digital ID, payments, and secure data-sharing platforms. In theory, these tools can reduce bureaucracy and improve access to services. They also offer opportunities to increase transparency and efficiency.

The eAqoonsi app is one of the flagship initiatives.
It aims to provide citizens with a digital identity linked to government services. Officials envision a future where paperwork is minimized and services are accessible online. However, achieving this vision requires more than technology alone.

While some users benefit from the system, others struggle to use it.Citizens with reliable internet and digital literacy report positive experiences. They can access services quickly without visiting government offices. This highlights the potential of a well-functioning digital system.

However, many people face barriers that limit access.
Weak connectivity, lack of smartphones, and limited digital skills are major obstacles. For rural residents and vulnerable groups, these challenges are even more pronounced. The result is an uneven digital landscape.

Different user experiences reveal the complexity of Somalia’s transition.For some, digital access is empowering and convenient. It reduces travel costs and simplifies administrative processes. This is the promise of digital governance.

For others, the shift to online systems creates new difficulties.
Elderly citizens and displaced individuals often feel excluded. Without proper support, they struggle to navigate digital platforms. Their experiences highlight the risk of widening inequality.

Beyond access, trust remains a critical issue.Concerns about data protection and cybersecurity persist among users. Somalia’s Data Protection Act provides a legal framework, but implementation details remain unclear. Transparency is still limited.

Previous incidents, such as the 2025 e-visa data breach, have raised concerns.
The lack of publicly available findings has affected confidence in digital systems. Citizens want assurance that their data is safe. Without trust, adoption of digital services may slow down.

Across East Africa, countries are advancing digital governance.For example, eCitizen in Kenya integrates multiple services into one platform. This model offers valuable lessons for Somalia. Centralization can simplify access for users.

However, Somalia faces unique challenges.
Infrastructure gaps and limited connectivity make direct replication difficult. Any solution must be adapted to local conditions. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work.

Somalia aims to issue millions of national IDs in the coming years.This ambitious goal reflects a strong commitment to modernization. Yet, the success of the system depends on inclusivity. Technology must serve all citizens, not just a few.

To achieve this, barriers must be addressed.
Improving internet access, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring affordability are essential steps. Without these, digital transformation risks leaving many behind. In the end, eAqoonsi is not just a technological project—it is a test of equity and governance.