Toward the creation of a Startup for Electronic Signature and Certificates Services under the Algerian Regulation

Abstract

As Algeria undergoes its digital transformation, the establishment of legally recognized and technically secure electronic signature services has become a national imperative. Despite the adoption of Law No. 15-04 and its executive decrees providing a legal framework for electronic signatures, the market still lacks a practical, localized, and standards-compliant solution tailored to the Algerian context. This thesis presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of CertiSafe—a scalable and secure platform for electronic certification and digital signatures aligned with Algerian regulations. CertiSafe serves both as a functional prototype and as a strategic foundation for launching a trusted Certification Authority (CA) capable of serving government, business, and civil society. The platform integrates a React.js frontend, a Node.js backend, and a MySQL database, and relies on OpenSSL and the Node.js crypto module for cryptographic operations. Core functionalities include secure user registration, X.509 certificate issuance, document signing, signature validation, and full certificate lifecycle management. The architecture is modular, allowing for future extensions such as mobile access, multi-signature workflows, secure offline signing, and integration with enterprise systems (ERP). Beyond the technical stack, the thesis addresses regulatory compliance with Algerian laws and compares them to international standards . It also proposes a business-oriented vision, paving the way for a startup capable of bridging legal, technical, and market needs in the realm of digital trust services. This work ultimately contributes to building a sovereign digital trust ecosystem in Algeria, combining legal compliance, robust cryptographic practices, and a user-centered software architecture