National Identification Policy Launch

By Lagi Keresoma/

“NDID ensures that all Samoan citizens and residents can obtain a verifiable identity that is recognised across government and private sector services.”

Apia, SAMOA – 30 September 2026: The National Digital Identification (NDID) Policy was launched yesterday by the Minister of Family & Social Affairs, Moefaauouo Julius Tafunai.

Moefaauouo said that as Samoa advances into a digitally connected world, building a resilient, inclusive and modern digital economy requires a foundation of trust.

“This transformation is every Samoans’ right to be legally recognised, included and protected,” he said.

The National Digital Identification System is anchored by the Samoa Digital Identification Number (SDIN) which establishes the foundational layer of the Digital Public Infrastructure.

Moefaauouo said that over the years, access to public and private services has been constrained by paper-based processes, geographical isolation and fragmented systems.

The Samoa Bureau of Statistic (SBS) Chief Executive Officer, Leota Aliielua Salani said that the NDID policy sets out a clear roadmap to make things easier.

The new policy is built on the foundation of inclusion, consent and user protection.

Purpose & objective
The purpose and objective of the NDID system is to provide a framework for establishing and managing and sustaining a trusted and inclusive digital identity system that underpins secure services delivery, support private sector innovations and ensure equitable participation in Samoa’s digital economy.

Consent & control
Every person must retain control on how their personal information and identity credentials are accessed, verified or shared.

Consent and control are therefore central to ensuring that the NDID system remains rights-based, transparent and secure.

Registration
Registration is implemented through three legal mechanisms.

• Mass Registration
• Registration at birth
• Continuous Registration

The eligible people to be registered are Samoan citizens and a person allowed to reside in Samoa under the applicable laws. The Samoa Bureau of Statistics is responsible for ensuring that all eligible persons are registered.

According to Leota, work on the National Identification started in 2017 but it was 2026 that they compiled the policy which was launched yesterday.

The Minister acknowledged the support of the Government, World Bank, Civil Societies and village councils for assistance that make the NDID Policy possible.

The World Bank Liaison Officer, Antonina Wong with Samoa Bureau of Statistics Chief Executive Officer, Leota Aliielua Salani with a copy of the National Digital Identification Policy.