The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), in its capacity as Namibia’s National Root Certification Authority (Root CA), has officially issued a Certificate of Accreditation as a Certification Service Provider (CSP) to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS). This landmark accreditation marks a major milestone in the operationalisation of Namibia’s National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) and the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The accreditation was conferred in terms of the Electronic Transactions Act (No. 4 of 2019), read together with the Regulations Regarding Accreditation of Security Products and Services and Providers of Such Products and Services, 2025. The accreditation authorises MHAISS to provide certification services, including the management and issuance of subscriber certificates and public keys, in accordance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework. The accreditation remains valid for four (4) years, subject to ongoing compliance requirements.
The accreditation follows the successful Key Signing Ceremony held on 28 August 2026, where CRAN and MHAISS established the technical chain of trust between Namibia’s National Root CA and the Ministry’s electronic identity infrastructure. The ceremony represented a critical step in integrating MHAISS into the national digital trust ecosystem and enabling secure electronic identity services for Namibian citizens.
Mr. Elwis Nashilongo, Chairperson: CRAN Board of Directors, described the accreditation as a defining moment in Namibia’s digital development. “This accreditation formally recognises the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security as Namibia’s first Certification Service Provider, authorised to manage and issue subscriber certificates and public keys within our national digital trust framework. It demonstrates CRAN’s commitment to implementing a secure, trusted and legally recognised environment for electronic transactions and digital identity services.“
As the first Certification Service Provider within Namibia’s NPKI ecosystem, MHAISS will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of electronic identity (e-ID) services and advancing secure digital authentication across government platforms. The accreditation further supports Government’s vision of delivering efficient, trusted and citizen-centric digital services.
Mr. Nashilongo further emphasised the importance of maintaining compliance and public trust within the national digital ecosystem. “The issuance of this certificate establishes a trusted foundation for secure digital services in Namibia. Through this accreditation, MHAISS is entrusted to provide certification services in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act, applicable regulations and the conditions prescribed by CRAN. This milestone strengthens public confidence in electronic identity systems and advances Namibia’s journey towards a secure digital economy.“
Moreover, CRAN remains committed to ensuring the integrity, security and interoperability of Namibia’s digital trust ecosystem through effective regulatory oversight, accreditation, and the management of the National Root Certification Authority. The Authority views this achievement as a significant step towards building a secure, trusted and inclusive Digital Namibia.