The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) hosted a stakeholder engagement to discuss the Electronic Signature Regulations and the Accreditation of Security Products and Services Regulations.
The engagement, taking place on 31 January in Windhoek, marked a significant step in CRAN’s commitment to fostering a secure and efficient environment for electronic transactions.
The regulations aim to encourage investment and innovation in electronic transactions while enhancing business efficiency.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks in ensuring secure, trustworthy, and inclusive electronic transactions.
He emphasised that the Electronic Transactions Act (No. 4 of 2019) establishes the legal foundation for electronic signatures, granting them the same legal status as handwritten signatures.
This enables their use across various transactions, from simple agreements to complex contracts, facilitating commerce in an increasingly digital economy.
“The Act provides guidelines on electronic records, ensuring their retention, authentication, and protection against unauthorised access,” Dr Mathe said.
“This not only promotes transparency and accountability but also reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for socio-economic development.”
Mrs Emilia Nghikembua, CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised that implementing electronic signature regulations aligns with the addition to CRAN’s mandate to facilitate legally recognised electronic transactions and Namibia’s broader digital transformation agenda.
“These regulations are the final step towards the operationalisation of electronic signatures in Namibia,” she added.
Electronic signatures and security product accreditation play a crucial role in fostering innovation, security, and consumer protection. As a cornerstone of the digital economy, electronic signatures streamline transactions and build trust in digital communications.
To ensure widespread acceptance, the regulations must be clear, comprehensive, and adaptable to evolving technological advancements. As part of its regulatory mandate, CRAN is empowered to consult on behalf of the Minister of Information and Communication Technology regarding the Electronic Signature Regulations.
“This consultative role underscores CRAN’s commitment to providing expert guidance and ensuring that the regulations align with national priorities and international best practices.
It is a testament to the trust placed in CRAN to drive Namibia’s digital transformation effectively and inclusively.”
Additionally, the regulations address interoperability, ensuring that different electronic signature systems function seamlessly, fostering an inclusive digital economy where businesses and consumers can engage without barriers.
Security is also a key focus, with regulations mandating that service providers implement robust security protocols to prevent fraud and unauthorised access.
This is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental commitment to safeguarding the integrity of digital transactions and maintaining public trust.
In the photo: The attendance at the stakeholder consultation meeting was good.
