The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced plans to officially launch electronic signatures in February 2026, paving the way for legally recognised digital transactions in the country.
CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, confirmed the move, saying the authority will be responsible for accrediting service providers, who will then issue electronic signatures to users.
“Electronic signatures offer both efficiency and legal recognition. No more travel to sign physical documents — now you can do it from home. These signatures are legally binding under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019,” Nghikembua said.
The announcement follows a stakeholder engagement held in January 2025 to discuss the Electronic Signature Regulations and the accreditation of security products and services, which are key steps towards implementing e-signatures in Namibia.
“The Electronic Transactions Act of 2019 gives electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten ones. This allows contracts, agreements and transactions to be completed securely and efficiently in digital format,” Nghikembua added.
The regulations, according to CRAN, are intended to promote transparency, security and accountability by protecting electronic records from unauthorised access and providing clear guidelines for the safe use of digital services.
CRAN has been tasked to consult on behalf of the Minister of Information and Communication Technology to ensure that the regulations align with national priorities and international best practices.
Nghikembua emphasised that electronic signatures and accredited services are crucial to building trust in the country’s digital economy.
“They support secure digital transactions and ensure interoperability between systems. Security is central to this initiative, and service providers will be required to implement strong anti-fraud protocols,” she said.
She noted that while digital signatures carry full legal weight, users must understand the responsibility that comes with them. “Once a document is signed digitally, the signer assumes full legal obligation,” Nghikembua said.
She further explained that the legal definition of a signature now includes audio and facial authentication, meaning biometric logins, such as Face ID, may also carry legal significance depending on the transaction.
However, some transactions, including wills and credit agreements, will still require physical signatures.
