Namibia signs on to digital future

Acting executive director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Linda Aipinge-Nakale, yesterday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital transformation through the nationwide deployment of electronic signatures.

Speaking at a breakfast event in Windhoek, Aipinge-Nakale said the initiative marks a decisive step towards ensuring that secure, efficient and accessible digital services become the norm in Namibia.

She explained that the Electronic Transactions Act No 4 of 2019, already provides legal recognition to electronic communications and transactions, placing electronic signatures on the same legal footing as handwritten ones.

“With your electronic signatures you can conclude various transactions, from simple agreements to complex contracts, consequently facilitating commerce in the digital economy,” she said.

She further noted that although some sections of the act are not yet operational, mechanisms have been put in place to address this, including the appointment of the electronic information systems management advisory council.

The council is tasked with overseeing the act’s implementation and is in the process of establishing the online consumer affairs committee.

“The electronic signature regulations have been finalised and are with the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations for certification before publication in the Government Gazette. These regulations will guide the creation, verification and validation of e-signatures, while also requiring service providers to be accredited to ensure compliance with national standards,” she stressed.

Aipinge-Nakale added that accreditation regulations for security products and services have also been developed to promote reliability, foster innovation and enhance consumer trust in electronic transactions.

“Today is not just about technology; it is about building a culture of digital trust, where every Namibian can sign, transact and participate online with confidence,” she said.

The breakfast event was hosted by Salt Essential IT and attended by stakeholders from government, business and civil society.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.