eSignature legality summary
A written signature is not required for a valid contract (Civil Code; OHADA Uniform Act). The electronic-commerce and cyber-security laws confirm a contract is not unenforceable merely for being electronic, and electronic records are admissible under s. 17 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Criminality Law.
Types of permitted electronic signature
A standard electronic signature suits ordinary use; higher-assurance signatures (AES/QES) are required for certain matters — for example, documents exchanged within the company-registry system must bear the issuing authority’s QES.
Documents that may be signed electronically
Suitable for HR documents, commercial agreements (NDAs, procurement, sales), certain consumer agreements, and certain real-estate documents such as leases.
Use with caution / not typically appropriate
Company-registry filings and exchanges require higher-assurance/QES signatures; real-property transfers and matters needing court or public-authority intervention need the prescribed form.
- Contracts creating or transferring real-property rights (excluding leases)
- Contracts requiring the intervention of courts, public authorities, or public-authority professions
- Family-law and succession deeds
- Private deeds relating to securities (personal or real)
Seminal court cases
None reported.
Primary sources
- OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Law
- Law on Cyber Security and Cyber Criminality
- Law on Electronic Communication
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice, and is not a guarantee that any signature will be enforceable for a particular document, transaction, or jurisdiction. E-signature and data-protection laws change frequently. Confirm the requirements for your specific document and parties, and consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant country before relying on electronic signing.
Last reviewed: June 15, 2026