The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched “DigiNam: Trust is Now Digital”, a landmark national digital trust initiative that translates Namibia’s digital trust foundation into practical services for citizens, businesses, government institutions and service providers. Officially launched on 31 August 2026 in Windhoek, DigiNam marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s journey towards a secure, inclusive and digitally empowered economy.
The initiative is built on Namibia’s National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), the trusted framework that enables secure digital identities, electronic signatures, authentication services and legally recognised online transactions. Within this framework, CRAN serves as the country’s Root Certification Authority (Root CA), providing the highest trust anchor for secure digital interactions across the national digital ecosystem.
This journey began with the establishment of a secure national foundation for digital trust through the NPKI and the operationalisation of CRAN’s Root CA function. DigiNam now brings this foundation to life as the public-facing expression of the Root CA, enabling trusted digital certificates, secure authentication and legally recognised electronic signatures to be used with confidence in everyday digital services.
The launch follows the implementation of provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act (No. 4 of 2019), which provide the legal foundation for electronic signatures, digital trust services and the accreditation of Certification Service Providers. With this foundation in place, Namibia now has a sovereign trust framework capable of supporting secure e-government services, electronic commerce, digital banking, healthcare services, education platforms and other emerging digital innovations.
Mr. Elwis Nashilongo, Chairperson of the CRAN Board of Directors, described the launch as a historic moment for the country. “Today marks another important milestone in Namibia’s digital transformation journey. DigiNam provides the trust that is essential for a modern digital society, ensuring that digital interactions are authentic, secure and conducted with confidence.“
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Emilia Nghikembua, CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, said that the establishment of DigiNam represents more than a technological achievement. “DigiNam is about creating trust in Namibia’s digital future. As the national trust anchor, CRAN is committed to ensuring that every digital interaction, whether between citizens, businesses or government, is secure, authentic and legally recognised.“
Mrs. Nghikembua further emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative across all sectors of the economy. “Through DigiNam and the National Root Certification Authority, we are enabling a digital ecosystem that supports innovation, strengthens cybersecurity, improves service delivery, and creates new opportunities for economic growth and digital inclusion for all Namibians.“
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, highlighted the critical role of trust in the digital economy and the importance of public key infrastructure as a national enabler. “Trust is the true currency of the digital economy. DigiNam gives life to this trust by making secure digital identities, electronic signatures and trusted online transactions accessible and usable within Namibia’s digital ecosystem.“
Honourable Emma Theofelus noted that DigiNam is the practical expression of Namibia’s national PKI framework, providing citizens, businesses and institutions with the confidence to transact and interact digitally while ensuring the integrity and legal certainty of electronic communications and records.
Addressing guests at the launch, Honourable Lucia Iipumbu, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, underscored the importance of trusted digital identity as a cornerstone of modern service delivery. “Our vision is a Namibia where digital trust enables opportunity, innovation and inclusive development for all. The implementation of secure electronic identity solutions will empower citizens to access services safely, conveniently and with confidence in the digital age.“
DigiNam is expected to support a wide range of applications, including e-government services, digital identity, remote customer verification, electronic contracting, online banking, healthcare records, educational credentials, and business registration services. By establishing a trusted digital ecosystem, Namibia is creating the conditions necessary for greater economic participation, stronger cybersecurity, enhanced transparency, and improved public service delivery.
CRAN reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government, industry, financial institutions, academia, and citizens to ensure the successful adoption and growth of the national digital trust ecosystem. The Authority believes DigiNam will play a pivotal role in transforming Namibia into a secure, innovative, and globally competitive digital economy built on trust.