Home Southern Africa Namibia to Roll Out Legally Binding Electronic Signatures by February 2026

Southern Africa

Namibia to Roll Out Legally Binding Electronic Signatures by February 2026

June 11, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced that electronic signatures will officially be launched in February 2026, marking a significant milestone toward fully legalised digital transactions in the country.

CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, confirmed that the authority will oversee the accreditation of service providers who will issue electronic signatures to users. “Electronic signatures bring both convenience and legal recognition. There’s no longer a need to travel just to sign a document—you can now do it from anywhere,” Nghikembua said.

These digital signatures are recognised under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, which grants them the same legal standing as handwritten ones. As a result, contracts, agreements, and other formal transactions can now be completed securely in digital format.

This development follows a stakeholder engagement held in January 2025 focused on finalising the Electronic Signature Regulations and the accreditation of secure digital services—crucial steps toward full implementation.

The new regulations aim to strengthen digital trust through enhanced transparency, security, and accountability. They are designed to safeguard electronic records from unauthorised access and establish clear guidelines for the secure use of digital tools.

CRAN has been mandated to lead consultations on behalf of the Minister of Information and Communication Technology to ensure the regulations align with both national goals and international standards.

“Trust and security are the cornerstones of any digital economy,” Nghikembua stressed. “Accredited electronic signature providers will be required to implement robust anti-fraud measures and ensure interoperability between digital systems.”

She added that while digital signatures carry full legal authority, users must understand the responsibilities involved. “Once you sign a document electronically, you are legally bound—just as you would be with a handwritten signature.”

Notably, the legal definition of a signature in Namibia now includes biometric methods such as audio or facial authentication, meaning technologies like Face ID may be legally recognised depending on the context. However, some legal documents—such as wills and credit agreements—will still require physical signatures.