Africa-Press – Namibia. The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently scooped the prestigious Best Civil Aviation Authority award during Aviation Week Africa held in Livingstone, Zambia. The continental recognition celebrates outstanding performance, regulatory excellence and commitment to aviation safety and service delivery across Africa.
The NCAA says this achievement is a direct result of the tireless efforts and dedication of staff, the visionary leadership of the board of directors, the continued support of valued stakeholders and the strong strategic guidance from its main shareholder, the works and transport ministry.This week New Era’s Head of Business and Lifestyle, Edgar Brandt (EB), sat down with the NCAA’s Senior Manager for Safety Promotion and Quality, Godfried George Matroos (GM), for an in-depth look at the Authority’s operations and strategic priorities.
EB: How does the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority achieve its core mandate?
GM: The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority was established through the Civil Aviation Act, No. 6 of 2016, as the national aviation regulator. Our core mandate is to ensure effective oversight of aviation safety, security and the provision of air navigation services within Namibia. In fulfilling this mandate, the NCAA upholds full compliance with international standards and recommended practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).To achieve this, the NCAA certifies aviation service providers and organisations, including aerodromes, Approved Maintenance Organisations, Air Operator Certificate holders, Approved Training Organisations, Air Navigation Service Providers, Approved Meteorological Service Providers and Aviation Recreation Organisations. The Authority also licences aviation personnel such as pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crews and aircraft maintenance engineers. Through continuous oversight, inspections, audits, and regulatory monitoring, the NCAA ensures all operations within Namibia’s civil aviation sector adhere to national regulations and international standards. Beyond its regulatory function, the NCAA actively promotes aviation safety, supports infrastructure development, and ensures the country’s air navigation services are safe, efficient and globally recognised.
EB: What are the NCAA’s current strategic priorities?
GM: We have identified five strategic focus areas that are shaping the future of aviation in Namibia:
a) Enhancing Safety and Security Oversight to consistently exceed ICAO benchmarks.
b) Optimising Air Navigation Services, focusing on modern infrastructure and seamless airspace management.
c) Strengthening Financial Stability by growing revenue streams and securing ownership of key aviation assets.
d) Promoting a customer-centric service culture that prioritises stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency.
e) Driving organisational culture change through leadership development, innovation and performance-driven management.
EB: How has the NCAA evolved, and what are some key milestones?
GM: The NCAA has grown into a respected and capable aviation regulator in Africa. Key achievements include:
a) Namibia’s election to the AFCAC Bureau, where our executive director serves as vice president (southern Africa).
b) Awarded Best Civil Aviation Authority in Africa at the 2025 Aviation Week Africa Awards.
c) Achieving ICAO-USOAP audit scores above African and global averages in 2024.
d) Successfully implementing modern human resources and performance management systems.
e) Securing the transfer of assets worth more than N$300 million from government to NCAA ownership.
f) Accrediting seven SADC Safety Oversight Organisation (SASO) Auditors who assist the region in strengthening safety oversight and regulatory harmonisation.
EB: How does the NCAA ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards?
GM: Compliance is at the heart of our regulatory framework. We align Namibia’s aviation regulations with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and implement them through robust oversight systems. Our specialised teams conduct regular audits, safety inspections, and operational surveillance across the aviation sector.
Additionally, we manage Namibia’s State Safety Programme (SSP) and operate a dedicated Compliance and Regulatory Risk (CRR) function to monitor adherence to both national and international safety requirements.
EB: What systems are in place to monitor and improve air safety?
GM: Namibia’s aviation sector is supported by several integrated safety systems:
a) The State Safety Programme (SSP) for national safety objectives.
b) A Safety Data-Collection and Processing System (SDCPS) with more than 1 800 occurrences recorded, providing data-driven insights for risk-based oversight.
c) Routine audits, inspections, and surveillance supported by a Quality Management System.
d) The deployment of EMPIC software, a modern digital regulatory management platform that streamlines certification, licensing, and surveillance processes.
EB: Any recent audits or assessments from global aviation bodies?
GM: Yes, in 2024, the NCAA underwent the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), achieving an impressive 72.6% effective implementation score. Notably:
· Legal compliance increased to 90.48%.
· Air Navigation Services oversight achieved a significant 44% improvement.
We are currently preparing for the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP-CMA), having already made key enhancements to our national aviation security framework.
EB: What is the NCAA’s role in improving airport and air navigation infrastructure?
GM: We regulate, certify, and licence airports and air navigation service providers while setting operational standards to ensure safety, security and efficiency. Our oversight teams conduct regular safety inspections and audits of infrastructure projects. We also play a key role in approving airspace classifications, flight procedures and air traffic services to maintain a safe and efficient national airspace system. Finally, we have a number of capital projects for upgrades of NCAA ANS provider equipment and facilities such as radar, AMHS, and tower facilities.
EB: Are there any ongoing or upcoming aviation infrastructure projects?
GM: Indeed, several exciting projects are underway:
a) Licensing of four regional airports (Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz, and Keetmanshoop);
b) WBIA tower upgrade;
c) Surveillance radar replacement;
d) Upgrading of aeronautical message handling;
e) Upgrading and certifying air navigation and meteorological infrastructure;
f) Hosting our flagship safety and security conference later this year, focusing on collaborative aviation safety initiatives.
g) Exploring the establishment of an aviation security academy for local professional training.
EB: How is the NCAA collaborating with stakeholders to promote domestic aviation development?
GM: Stakeholder collaboration is central to our strategy. We actively engage aviation industry bodies, universities, regulatory agencies, and government ministries through platforms such as the National Facilitation Committee, National Airspace Committee, and SSP Steering Committee. Further, we have an active social media presence and publish regular safety bulletins.
Our recognition as Best CAA at AWA 2025 is a testament to the strength and value of these partnerships.
EB: What advances has the NCAA made in modernising air traffic control systems?
GM: We have made significant strides by:
a) Certifying the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP).
b) Implementing EMPIC software for regulatory workflows.
c) Establishing new airspace classifications and flight routes.
d) Promoting joint training between military and civilian controllers.
e) Partnering the University of Namibia by offering internships to aviation students.
f) Strengthening infrastructure oversight and continuous improvement through international partnerships.
EB: How do you manage Namibia’s vast airspace?
GM: Namibia’s airspace is strategically managed by our Air Navigation Services’ Safety Oversight unit. We classify airspace, approve air routes, manage restricted zones, and oversee the Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP).
Within our ANSP we have units for managing air traffic services (ATS), communication, navigation and surveillance equipment (CNS), and aeronautical information management (AIM), each adhering to high standards of quality and safety through their internal safety and quality assurance department (SQA).
The National Airspace Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Defence, coordinates decisions, while regional partnerships with ICAO, AFCAC, and SASO ensure Namibia remains fully- integrated into the southern African airspace framework.
EB: What initiatives are in place to build local aviation capacity?
GM: Since 2019, our bursary programme has awarded 48 scholarships in fields like Air Traffic Control and Aeronautical Information Management; 41 of these graduates are now employed in our Air Navigation Services’ (ANS) unit. We also offer:
· Aviation internships in collaboration with the University of Namibia.
· Leadership training through executive, management, and national management development programmes.
EB: How is the NCAA addressing the shortage of skilled aviation professionals?
GM: We have taken decisive steps:
a) Reviewed and adjusted salary structures to attract top talent.
b) Expanded bursary and internship opportunities.
c) Partnered local and regional institutions to develop aviation training qualifications.
d) Participated in regional inspector training initiatives.
e) Signed agreements with other civil aviation authorities for resource-sharing, job-shadowing, and on-the-job training opportunities.
EB: How is the NCAA regulating drone operations in Namibia?
GM: We strictly regulate drone operations under the Civil Aviation Act. As of 2024:
· 135 drones are on the national register.
· 351 private and 19 commercial drone operators are certified in 2024-25 alone.
Strict licencing, operational safety regulations, and restricted area guidelines are enforced to ensure the safe integration of drones into Namibian airspace. NCAA has a dedicated RPAS (drone) team for any drone-related queries, available at [email protected].
EB: What role do emerging technologies play in improving aviation?
GM: Technology is transforming our sector. NCAA has:
a) Rolled out EMPIC software for digital licencing and surveillance.
b) Implemented Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) systems.
c) Enhanced air traffic management systems and certified helidecks for offshore operations.
d) Exploring advanced RPAS (drone) applications in logistics, tourism, and environmental monitoring.
EB: What is your vision for Namibia’s aviation sector in the next 5-10 years?
GM: Our vision is to position Namibia as a safe, efficient, competitive, and sustainable aviation hub in Southern Africa. We aim to modernise air navigation services, improve airport infrastructure, strengthen safety oversight, and nurture a skilled local aviation workforce, all while leveraging aviation to drive tourism, trade, and economic development.
EB: How will NCAA position Namibia as a key aviation hub?
GM: We are laying the foundation by:
a) Certifying additional airports to international standards.
b) Aligning Namibia’s transportation policy and regulation with the facets of the five freedoms of the SAATM.
c) Upgrading air navigation systems and infrastructure.
d) Strengthening partnerships with ICAO, AFCAC, and SASO.
e) Updating regulations to align with emerging technologies and market trends.
f) Investing in talent development through bursaries, internships, and professional development.
Through these initiatives, Namibia is poised to become a preferred aviation gateway for southern Africa.
Source: neweralive
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