Namibia Plans to Introduce officially Validated Digital Signatures in February 2026
Namibia is set to revolutionise its digital transaction system with the introduction of legally binding electronic signatures, scheduled for 2026. This move forms part of the country's broader digital transformation efforts, aimed at modernising financial and digital infrastructure.
The rollout of electronic signatures was announced by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, at the Standard Bank Anti-Financial Crime Conference in Windhoek. According to Theofelus, the new system is designed to make digital transactions more efficient, secure, and legally binding.
Under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, electronic signatures will carry the same legal weight as traditional handwritten ones once they meet the prescribed security and authentication requirements. This law serves as the foundation for the nationwide implementation of legally binding electronic signatures.
The electronic signature system in Namibia is a new development for the digital transaction system. It is intended to facilitate secure digital transactions and make them legally binding. The system is a part of the digital transaction system, which is being modernised to improve financial inclusion and transactional security.
The roadmap for 2025-2035 includes launching new digital instruments and regulatory frameworks, such as innovation centres and regulatory sandboxes, to support the testing and adoption of new digital financial services. These frameworks are likely to include valid e-signatures, aligned with the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019.
While detailed technical regulations or certification authorities related to electronic signatures are not yet explicitly mentioned, the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019 underpins the legal infrastructure. Ongoing government initiatives aim to facilitate the widespread and legally binding use of electronic signatures by 2026.
In summary, Namibia is implementing legally binding electronic signatures by 2026 under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019. This move is part of the country's broader digital transformation efforts, aimed at modernising financial and digital infrastructure. The new electronic signature system will give electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten ones in Namibia, making digital transactions secure and binding.
[1] Digital Namibia
[2] IT News Africa
- The introducing of legally binding electronic signatures by 2026 in Namibia, driven by its digital transformation efforts, will facilitate secure digital transactions, particularly in business and finance, revolutionizing their operations and efficiency.
- Amid Namibia's broader strategy to modernize its digital and financial infrastructure, the rollout of legally binding electronic signatures in 2026, as stipulated by the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, seeks to align technology with the business sector, ensuring secure and legally valid digital transactions.
