Windhoek: The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has accredited the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) as the country's first Certification Service Provider (CSP). This accreditation marks a significant step towards the operationalisation of Namibia's National Public Key Infrastructure and the provision of secure electronic identity services.

According to Namibia Press Agency, CRAN, in its role as Namibia's National Root Certification Authority, issued the certificate to the ministry under the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019 and the Regulations Regarding Accreditation of Security Products and Services and Providers of Such Products and Services, 2025. This accreditation authorises MHAISS to provide certification services, including the management and issuance of subscriber certificates and public keys, subject to the applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.

The certificate is valid for four years, contingent on continued compliance. CRAN board chairperson Elvis Nashilongo stated, "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." Nashilongo further highlighted that the accreditation would support a secure and legally recognised environment for electronic transactions and digital identity services.

The accreditation follows a key signing ceremony held on 28 August 2026, where CRAN and MHAISS established the technical chain of trust between the National Root Certification Authority and the ministry's electronic identity infrastructure. This development is expected to bolster the implementation of electronic identity (e-ID) services and secure digital authentication across government platforms.

Nashilongo also noted that the accreditation places responsibility on MHAISS to maintain compliance with the Electronic Transactions Act, applicable regulations, and conditions prescribed by CRAN. He emphasized that this milestone would contribute to public confidence in electronic identity systems and Namibia's digital economy. CRAN affirmed its commitment to overseeing the integrity, security, and interoperability of the country's digital trust ecosystem through regulatory oversight, accreditation, and management of the National Root Certification Authority.