Public Key Infrastructure (KPI)

Public Key Infrastructure (KPI)

Namibia’s National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) provides a trusted foundation for secure digital communication and electronic transactions. It combines technologies, policies and procedures for managing digital certificates and encryption keys, enabling individuals, businesses and public institutions to verify identities and conduct trusted transactions in the digital environment.

The NPKI supports the development of secure e-Government, e-Commerce and other digital services by strengthening identity verification, authentication and the protection of electronic transactions. As Namibia’s national trust anchor, CRAN operates the Root Certification Authority and oversees the national digital trust framework.

Electronic signatures enable individuals and organisations to sign electronic documents and transactions securely. A recognised electronic signature can verify the identity of the person who signed a document, help establish whether information has been altered after signing, and provide greater accountability in digital transactions.

Namibia’s electronic signature framework is established under the Electronic Transactions Act, (No. 4 of 2019) and supporting regulations. The framework sets requirements for recognised electronic signatures, including how signatures are applied to data messages, how the identity of a signatory is verified and how alterations to electronically signed information can be detected

A Certification Authority (CA) is a trusted entity within the Public Key Infrastructure ecosystem responsible for issuing and managing digital certificates that enable secure electronic identification, authentication and transactions.

CRAN serves as Namibia’s *Root Certification Authority (Root CA)* and the anchor of the national digital trust framework. In this role, CRAN operates the Root CA, maintains the national trust chain, accredits Certification Service Providers and oversees compliance with applicable legal, technical and security requirements.

Sector Certification Authorities and accredited Certification Service Providers operate within this trust hierarchy to provide digital certificates and related services to public and private sector organisations and end users.

Certification Service Providers (CSPs) are trusted service providers that issue and manage digital certificates and subscriber credentials within Namibia’s PKI ecosystem. These certificates can be used to authenticate identities, apply electronic signatures, encrypt information and support secure digital transactions.

CSPs operating within Namibia’s national trust framework are subject to accreditation and regulatory oversight by CRAN. They are required to meet applicable legal, technical, security and operational standards and are subject to ongoing compliance monitoring to safeguard the integrity and reliability of the national digital trust ecosystem.

CRAN is responsible for administering the accreditation framework for Certification Service Providers in Namibia. The accreditation process is designed to ensure that providers meet prescribed legal, technical, security, personnel and financial requirements before being authorised to operate within the national PKI ecosystem.

Applicants are required to submit relevant supporting documentation, which may include a Certificate Policy, Certification Practice Statement, technical and security specifications, incident management arrangements and business continuity plans.

The regulatory framework also provides for the accreditation of public and private CSPs and the recognition of qualifying foreign Certification Service Providers. Accredited providers are subject to ongoing compliance monitoring, periodic reviews and applicable renewal requirements.

Public Key Infrastructure helps create a safer and more trusted environment for accessing and using digital services. Through digital certificates and electronic signatures, users can have greater confidence in the identity of the parties they interact with online and the authenticity and integrity of electronically signed information.

Emilia Nghikembua

Chief Executive Officer

Emilia Nghikembua is the Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). She is the holder of a Baccalaureus Juris, Bachelor of Law and Master of Law (cum laude) degrees from the University of Namibia, respectively. Emilia also holds a Master of Arts in Information and Communications Technology; Policy and Regulation obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand and an Executive Master of Business Administration with majors in business and technology. She is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia.

Emilia was ranked among the top 100 African economic leaders by Institute Choiseul in 2022. The ranking identified her as among the 100 Africans under the age of 40 years, expected to play a major role in the continent’s economic development soon. In 2023, Emilia was honoured by the Windhoek Observer as one of 50 Namibians of Merit under the corporate leadership segment. Emilia is passionate about uplifting people.

Maria Moses

Executive: Finance & Administration

Maria has over 20 years of experience in the finance/accounting field, and has served as an Auditing Officer, Management Accountant, Manager: Management Accounting, and Director: Administration Services for various public and private sector organisations in the pension fund industry, ICT regulator, road sector and mining and energy sector.

Maria holds a Master of International Business, Bachelor of Technology in Accounting & Finance, National Diploma in Accounting, Certificate in Business Accounting, Certificate in Telecommunications Policy, Regulation and Management (TPRM), Certificate in Project Management and Certificate in Management Development Programme (MDP).

Josephine Shigwedha

Executive: Regulatory & Corporate Legal Services

Josephine Shigwedha is an admitted legal practitioner with a Master of Laws (LLM) and has over eleven years of dedicated experience in various aspects of corporate law. Her extensive background includes five years at the Senior/Executive Management level, where she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in executing her responsibilities. She further serves as a Non- Executive Director for the Aviation Regulator, NCAA.

In addition, she holds a B-Juris Law Degree and an LLB Honours Degree from the University of Namibia. To further compliment her legal, compliance and risk management experience, Josephine obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Risk, Compliance and Governance Law from the University of Witwatersrand, and completed the Executive Development Program leadership training at the University of Stellenbosch. She is currently enrolled for the MPhil in Business Administration with the University of Pretoria.

Moreover, her expertise encompasses regulatory compliance, legal risk management, contract management, litigation oversight, and policy formulation.

Mr. Elwis Nashilongo

Chairperson

Mr. Elwis Nashilongo is an experienced communications and corporate governance professional with more than 19 years of experience, including over 15 years in senior leadership roles. He currently serves as General Manager: Operations at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), where he oversees operational strategy, stakeholder management, and policy implementation. As a certified communications practitioner, Mr. Nashilongo has played a key role in strengthening strategic communication functions and stakeholder engagement frameworks within Namibia’s pension industry.

His board and governance experience includes serving as Chairperson of Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Vice-Chairperson of CRAN, and in leadership roles across pension funds and professional bodies. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business, complemented by qualifications in Public Management and Industrial Psychology. Recognised for his ethical leadership and strategic insight, Mr. Nashilongo brings strong governance capability and sector expertise to the CRAN Board.

Mr. Joze Van Wyk

Director

Mr. Joze Van Wyk is a senior electronic engineer with more than a decade of experience in electronic systems engineering, telecommunications, and strategic technology implementation. Since 2014, he has served at the Office of the President, where he leads multidisciplinary technical teams, oversees complex system upgrades, and contributes to strategic planning and procurement processes.

His career includes contributions to national projects, including his secondment to Telecom Namibia, where he supported telecommunications infrastructure development and implemented connectivity initiatives such as the XNET project, which expanded internet access to public institutions. Mr. Van Wyk holds a Bachelor of Computer Science in Cyber Security and a B-Tech in Electronic Engineering, complemented by advanced technical competencies in system integration, information security, and project management.
With a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence, Mr. Van Wyk brings valuable technical expertise and forward-looking insight to the CRAN Board. 

Ms. Raundjua Hengari

Vice-Chairperson

Ms. Raundjua Hengari is an accomplished legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Namibia, with more than 15 years of experience in legislative drafting, policy development, and international law. She currently serves as Chief Legal Officer in the Ministry of Justice’s Legislative Drafting Directorate, where she leads the development and review of key national legislation.

Her career includes drafting significant legislation in areas such as anti-corruption, counter-terrorism, public procurement, and fiscal governance, contributing to the strengthening of Namibia’s governance and compliance frameworks. Ms. Hengari has also contributed to international legal processes, including treaty negotiations, mutual legal assistance, and reporting on human rights conventions.

She holds an LLB and B-Juris from the University of Namibia (UNAM), as well as a postgraduate qualification in legislative drafting from India. Ms. Hengari combines technical legal expertise with strategic leadership and brings strong regulatory insight and governance acumen to the CRAN Board. 

Mr. Herman Walter Rutz

Director

Mr. Herman Walter Rutz is an ICT and governance professional with a strong record in technology innovation, corporate governance, and strategic business leadership. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Namibia (UNAM), a Bachelor Honours degree in Information Technology, and a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration, complemented by executive training in project management. 

Mr. Rutz gained substantial experience as an ICT Project Specialist at the Electoral Commission of Namibia, where he contributed to the implementation of electronic voting and biometric voter registration systems—initiatives that positioned Namibia as a leader in electoral technology in Africa. He also brings governance experience from serving on the boards of the National Heritage Council and the National Council for Higher Education, where he chaired strategic committees.

With an interest in youth development, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, Mr. Rutz contributes a progressive, technology-focused perspective to the CRAN Board. 

Mr. Nolan Swarts

Director

Mr. Nolan Swarts is a legal executive with more than 15 years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory frameworks, and consumer protection within Namibia’s financial sector. He currently serves as General Manager: Legal and Licensing Services at the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA), where he oversees legal strategy and regulatory compliance. 

An admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia, Mr. Swarts has held prominent roles in the legal profession, including President of the Law Society of Namibia and Chairperson of the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund. His contributions to the sector have received international recognition, including the General Counsel Legal 500 award. 

He holds B. Juris and LLB degrees from the University of Namibia (UNAM) and has completed executive leadership training at the University of Johannesburg. Mr. Swarts combines legal expertise with strategic insight and brings strong regulatory and governance acumen to the CRAN Board. 

Mr. Kavehuurua Tjiuma

Director

Mr. Kavehuurua Tjiuma is an electrical engineer and engineering executive with more than 18 years of experience in power systems, telecommunications, and control systems within Namibia’s energy sector. He currently serves as Manager for Protection, Telecommunication, Metering and Control at NamPower, where he provides strategic leadership to multidisciplinary teams and oversees critical infrastructure projects. 

Mr. Tjiuma has contributed to digital transformation within Namibia’s transmission network, including the early adoption of the IEC 61850 communication standard, which enhanced system monitoring and operational efficiency. His expertise includes project management, asset optimisation, stakeholder coordination, and the delivery of complex engineering solutions. 

He holds a Master of Engineering in Electrical Systems, an MBA from Stellenbosch University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and registered Professional Engineer. Mr. Tjiuma brings deep technical expertise and strategic leadership to the CRAN Board. 

Ms. Elzine Mushambi

Director

Ms. Elzine Mushambi is an executive and investment leader with more than 18 years of experience across private equity, financial services, and the oil and gas sectors. She currently serves as Managing Director of Eos Capital, where she provides strategic leadership for infrastructure-focused investments and oversees capital allocation through the Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund. 

Her career includes expertise in cross-border investments, public-private partnerships, and ESG-driven governance frameworks. Ms. Mushambi previously founded and led Impact Tank, a venture builder focused on advancing social and economic development across Africa, Europe, and North America. She has also held senior roles at Engen and Old Mutual, where she led transformation and project management initiatives. 

With multiple postgraduate qualifications in business and commerce, Ms. Mushambi brings strategic, financial, and governance expertise to the CRAN Board, with a focus on ICT infrastructure and sustainable development.

Pascal Haingura

Executive: Engineering & Technical Services

Mr. Haingura is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 16 years of extensive experience spanning Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, Project Management, IT Operations, and Infrastructure Development. His leadership has been demonstrated across diverse sectors, including energy, academia, and finance, where he has successfully developed IT strategies and policies, managed IT departments, and driven innovative technological solutions.

He holds a Master of Philosophy in Inclusive Innovation, a Master of International Business in Digital Transformation and Business Law, a Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Currently, Mr. Haingura is pursuing a Master of Informatics in Data Analytics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Helene Vosloo

Executive: Economics & Market Development

Helene obtained a master in business administration (MBA) through the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University in the united Kingdom. She also holds an Honors degree in Statistics from the university of the State, South Africa. Helene lectured at the university of the Free State Between 1991 and 1992 after which she joined the National Planning Commission, Central Bureau of Statistic in 1992. In 1995 she joined the Ministry of Agriculture in the Directorate of planning, from where she moved to the electricity control board until she joined CRAN in 2012 as Head Economic Sector Research.

Tanswell Davies

Executive: Governance, Risk & Compliance Management

Tanswell obtained a Baccalaureus Juris Degree (December 2005) and a Bachelor of Law Degree (December 2007) through the University of Namibia and he is currently studying towards a Master in ICT Policy and Regulation Degree through the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He attended the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London from November 2005 to February 2006, where he completed a special program of study that focused on a legal system of Africa and Asia. Tanswell served as a member of the Namibia Rugby Union Disciplinary Committee in 2012.

He currently serves as a member of the Criminal Litigation Committee and as the Chairperson of the Bursaries and Sponsorship Committee of the Namibia Law Society. He lectured at the University of Namibia in the Law Faculty of the LLB Program on a part time basis from 2010 to 2013. He was admitted as a Legal Practitioner to the High Court in April 2009 and practiced for 4 years as a Legal Practitioner at BD Basson Legal Practitioners. In 2012, he joined PWC Auditing firm as Manager of Indirect Tax, a position he held until December 2012. He was appointed as a Legal Advisor for CRAN in 2013 to January 2015; in February 2015 he was appointed as Company Secretary for CRAN.

Lucrezia Henckert-Louw

Executive: Human Capital

Lucrezia Henckert-Louw is a seasoned Human Capital Practitioner and holds a National Diploma in Human Capital and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Human Resource from the Polytechnic of Namibia. She also holds a Senior Management Development Program qualification, which she obtained through the University of Stellenbosch Business School in the Republic of South Africa. Before joining CRAN in 2012, Lucrezia was employed by the International Training & Education Center on Health (I-TECH), where she served as a Senior Manager: Human Resources. Other previous employers include the polytechnic of Namibia where she was employed for ten years.

Lucrezia is passionate about the field of Human Resources and in establishing CRAN as an employer of choice. Her conviction that Human Resources should be an advocate for employees drives her on-going effects to strengthen CRAN’s HR department to ensure all employees are treated fairly and equally, and that needs of the business are balanced with the needs of the employees. “employees of choice are those companies that receive recognition for the way they treat employees; they are the companies for whom people want to work. Becoming an employer of choice means that Human Resources balances recruiting the most qualified applicants, selecting the most suitable candidates and retaining the most talented employees,” she states.

Elton Witbooi

Executive: ICT

Elton Witbooi holds a Diploma in Business Computing; Honours Degree in Software Engineering; Bachelor’s Degree in Administration; and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He served in various ICT capacities in numerous public and private sector organisations, before joining CRAN on 1 February 2023 as the Executive: Cyber Security and ICT.

Mufaro Nesongano

Executive: Communication & Consumer Relations

With over 20 years of experience in broadcasting, communication, public relations, and brand management, Mr. Mufaro Nesongano has successfully led various teams in the execution of communication and stakeholder management strategies across both the private and public sector within the realms of academia, tourism and quite recently, the insurance industry.

He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media Technology, an Honours degree in Journalism and Communication, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication. Additionally, he has a certificate in Open Innovation, Branding Management, Digital Transformation Strategy and Executive and Management Coaching.

Cornelia Shipindo

Acting Executive: CIRT

Ms. Cornelia Shipindo is a highly accomplished Cybersecurtiy professional with an impressive educational foundation, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, International Certification as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and a Bachelor’s Degree in IT Systems Administration & Networks, among other relevant qualifications

Her career prior to joining the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) includes a pivotal role as an Information Security Specialist at Capricorn Group, where she excelled in security control governance, third party cyber risk management, incident response management, information security and data protection.

At CRAN, Cornelia is poised to make significant contributions to enhancing the organization’s cybersecurity framework, particularly in safeguarding national communication infrastructures from cyber threats. Her appointment is timely, reflecting the global urgency surrounding cybersecurity for regulatory bodies. With extensive experience in cybersecurity, risk & compliance, data protection and privacy. Cornelia’s leadership and expertise are set to play a crucial role in advancing CRAN’s strategic focus on protecting Namibia’s communications ecosystem.