In the heart of Rabat, Morocco, the global identity community came together at MOSIP Connect 2026 – a vibrant and forward-looking gathering hosted by MOSIP at UM6P, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Morocco.
Over three days, 470+ participants from 28 countries – including government leaders, implementers, developers, multilateral partners, and funders – convened for rich exchange, deeper collaboration, and shared exploration of what it means to build open digital identity systems that are effective, inclusive, and grounded in real-world needs.
MOSIP Connect was designed not just as a showcase of technology, but as a space where practitioners and partners could connect, learn from one another, and strengthen a global ecosystem of builders committed to open identity. The atmosphere was collegial and purposeful, with conversations that moved fluidly between high-level strategy and practical implementation.
The opening sessions set an inspiring tone. The Ministry of Interiors, Government of Morocco joined MOSIP in welcoming the delegation, highlighting the extraordinary diversity of experience present in the room and the shared aspiration to use identity as a public good – something that empowers individuals, strengthens governance, and unlocks broader digital transformation.
Central to these opening moments were the keynote sessions. One of the most memorable was delivered by Wali Abdelhak Harrak, whose address reflected both the promise of identity systems in advancing equitable service delivery and the importance of responsible stewardship.
Sessions that followed, encouraged cross-pollination of ideas. The agenda blended keynote talks, technical deep dives, partner showcases, and interactive labs — all aimed at fostering connections and sparking collaboration. Sessions such as “Building With MOSIP Standards: Best Practices and Lessons Learned”, “Integrating Identity with Service Delivery Platforms”, and “Designing for Privacy and Security in ID Systems” attracted wide participation, offering space for both reflection and hands-on dialogue.
The technical track featured deep engagement with MOSIP’s architecture and open-source components. Workshops explored MOSIP’s modular standards and APIs, federation strategies, and authentication stacks — all with the goal of helping implementers better understand how to apply these tools within their own national contexts.
What became clear in these conversations is that while technology is a critical foundation, its impact is greatest when nations shape it around their priorities and local needs.
Partner voices were central throughout the Connect agenda, enriching discussions with real-world perspectives. Country representatives shared their journeys using the MOSIP platform, highlighting both achievements and challenges. These reflections were not just demonstrations of progress, but invitations into a collective learning space where peers could ask questions, share strategies, and support one another’s growth.
Several panels centered on identity’s broader role in national ecosystems. Topics such as governance, interoperability, ethical data practices, and the relationship between identity systems and broader digital public infrastructure underscored the fact that identity sits at the crossroads of technology, policy, and society. While MOSIP’s open-source model accelerates access to identity foundations, discussions across the event demonstrated that sustainability depends on national leadership, institutional capacity, and ongoing investment in people and processes.
One of the most energising elements of MOSIP Connect 2026 was the unConference, a participant-driven session that deliberately flipped the traditional conference format. Small, informal groups formed organically, allowing for candid discussion, peer problem-solving, and cross-country learning in a setting that felt open and honest. With 45 sessions across 16 spaces, the unConference embodied the spirit of MOSIP Connect itself: a community of practitioners learning together, sharing generously, and recognising that some of the most valuable insights emerge not from the stage, but from conversation among peers.
A recurring theme across MOSIP Connect was the power of community. Participants consistently pointed to the value of meeting peers from other countries – not just to hear success stories, but to share lived experience: hard-earned lessons, unanticipated challenges, and emerging solutions. For many delegates, the chance to compare notes with counterparts facing similar decisions – and to hear how they addressed them – was one of the most meaningful parts of the gathering.
Beyond formal sessions, the Connect experience was shaped by informal connections: conversations during coffee breaks, discussions in hallways, and collaborative exchanges long after panels concluded. These moments underscored that MOSIP Connect was not just a sequence of presentations, but a living network of people building, testing, learning, and improving identity systems – together.
As the event drew to a close, reflections centered on forward motion: countries sharing concrete next steps, partners identifying spaces for joint work, and implementers energized by newfound insights and relationships. Looking ahead, the community expressed enthusiasm for deeper engagement, new collaborations, and continued momentum in advancing open digital identity globally.
MOSIP Connect 2026 demonstrated what is possible when an open-source platform is paired with a community that learns, adapts, and grows together. It affirmed that building impactful identity systems depends not only on technology, but on shared purpose, peer learning, and sustained partnership.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all participants – country representatives, ecosystem partners, multilaterals, and funders – whose presence and contributions made this event so rich and meaningful. And to the Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Morocco, thank you for hosting a remarkable gathering that advanced not just technology, but a global community committed to building identity with openness, responsibility, and shared learning at its core.
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MOSIP Connect 2026 Resources:
