The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) marked the 9th Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day on Monday, August 10, 2026, at its headquarters on Kingharman Road in Freetown. The commemoration focused on the theme: “The New CRVS Decade (2027 to 2036): Consolidating the Gains of AP AI – CRVS and Securing the Future of CRVS in Africa through Integration, Decentralization and Digitalization.” NCRA Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stated that civil registration is a fundamental government responsibility, noting the new CRVS decade offers Sierra Leone an opportunity to consolidate progress and advance integration, decentralization, and digitalization.
Mr. Massaquoi emphasized that the next phase should create a continuous identity system, following individuals from birth to death, supporting access to essential services like education, healthcare, and employment. He also clarified that integration requires agreed standards and responsible collaboration among institutions, not unrestricted access to personal information. Mr. Massaquoi stressed that digitalization efforts must not exclude individuals without access to technology or connectivity. The Director General showed that civil registration is a fundamental responsibility of Government, providing the bedrock for national planning and service delivery. He articulated that the new CRVS decade presents a significant opportunity for Sierra Leone to build upon previous achievements and further its goals of integration, decentralization, and digitalization in civil registration processes.
Building a Continuous Identity System
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has strengthened Sierra Leone's national identity infrastructure by integrating civil registration with identity management, issuing secure identity documents, and establishing an identity verification platform. This platform is currently utilized by various institutions, including financial and telecommunications companies. The NCRA’s efforts have included the issuance of secure identity documents, which are key for official recognition and transactions. The identity verification platform has proven instrumental for institutions seeking reliable identification, fostering trust and efficiency in their operations. The NCRA's upcoming phase aims to create a continuous identity system, tracking individuals from birth registration through to death registration. This full system is designed to support access to essential services such as education, healthcare, social protection, financial services, and employment. By establishing a continuous record, the NCRA seeks to ensure that every individual has a recognized legal identity throughout their life, facilitating their participation in society and access to vital provisions.
The NCRA emphasized that integration efforts necessitate agreed standards, governance, and responsible collaboration among institutions, rather than providing unrestricted access to personal information. This approach ensures data privacy and security while maximizing the benefits of integrated systems. Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Director General of the NCRA, stated, "digitalization should not exclude people without access to technology or connectivity." This notes the importance of ensuring inclusivity in the transition to digital systems, making sure that remote areas and vulnerable populations are not left behind.
Alphonso Manley, a civil society representative, showed the foundational role of civil registration, noting that "civil registration is closely linked to legal identity, access to services and the protection of citizens’ rights." For the new CRVS decade, key priorities have been identified as achieving universal legal identity, advancing digitalization, decentralizing services, ensuring data protection, and fostering stronger institutional collaboration. These priorities aim to build a strong and inclusive civil registration system that serves all citizens effectively.
Foundational Rights and Statistical Gaps
UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection, Patrick Halton, called for stronger investment to achieve universal birth registration in Sierra Leone. Mr. Halton stated that birth registration is "the foundation of legal identity and a gateway to children’s rights." He added that "birth registration helped protect children from child marriage, trafficking and child labour, while facilitating access to education, healthcare and social protection." This emphasis notes the critical role of early registration in safeguarding children's well-being and future opportunities. Without proper registration, children are more vulnerable to exploitation and may face barriers in accessing fundamental services.
The 2019 Demographic and Health Survey revealed that more than three quarters of children under five had been registered. The same survey indicated that approximately nine in ten children under one year old had been registered. These figures demonstrate significant progress in early childhood registration. However, the survey also showed that only about one third of children under five possessed a birth certificate, indicating a gap between registration and the issuance of official documentation. This disparity can still pose challenges for families trying to prove their children's legal identity. Mary Julius, a representative of the Children Forum Network, stated that "legal identity is fundamental to child protection and access to education and other essential services." Her statement reinforces the importance of not just registration, but also the availability of official documents that confirm a child's identity and rights.
Cross-Sectoral Benefits and Collaboration
Ado Davies of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) noted the National Civil Registration Authority's (NCRA) role in supporting a credible voters’ register for the 2028 elections. The NCRA is responsible for identifying and registering citizens, while the ECSL registers eligible voters. Davies noted that linking NCRA and ECSL systems would help verify eligible voters and prevent duplication. He stated, "First time voters not already captured by NCRA, he explained, would first complete civil registration before proceeding with voter registration." This systematic approach ensures the integrity of the electoral roll. Similar arrangements were implemented during the 2023 elections, demonstrating a proven method for maintaining accurate voter records. This collaboration is vital for transparent and fair democratic processes.
Philip Bangura of the Bank of Sierra Leone emphasized the importance of the National Identification Number (NIN) to the financial sector. He explained that a unique NIN would address challenges arising from individuals using multiple forms of identification, strengthen Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and improve credit reporting. The current situation, where individuals might present various forms of ID, can lead to inconsistencies and difficulties in verifying identities. A unified NIN streamlines this process, making financial transactions more secure and efficient. Linking national identity to financial services would also help combat fraud, particularly in mobile money and digital transactions, while simultaneously supporting financial inclusion initiatives. By establishing a strong identity framework, more people can safely access financial services, contributing to economic growth and stability.
Calls for Accessibility and Investment
Approximately US$1.16 million would be required over the next three years to strengthen staffing, training, supplies, interoperability, monitoring, and public awareness for civil registration. This significant investment is key for building the capacity needed to implement the ambitious goals of the new CRVS decade. Civil society representative Alphonso Manley called for stronger community engagement and public awareness initiatives, recognizing that public understanding and participation are key to the success of civil registration programs. Haja Marie Bob Kandeh, President of Market Women, urged authorities to make registration services more accessible to women and other vulnerable groups. She noted that many market women face difficulties travelling long distances or leaving their businesses to access Government services, noting a practical barrier that needs to be addressed. Stakeholders collectively called for a civil registration system that is accessible, secure, and integrated with other national systems, ensuring that children, women, rural communities, and other underserved groups are included. This full approach aims to ensure universal legal identity for all citizens of Sierra Leone.