WINDHOEK – The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) welcomed a high level delegation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Eastern and Southern African Office for a four-day official visit from February 17 to 20, 2026.
Led by Regional Director Ms. Lucy Mbugua, the delegation included Deputy Regional Director Richard Gatete and experts in environment, meteorology, and safety implementation. They engaged key stakeholders to assess Namibia’s advancements in aviation safety, security, environment, and air transport, aiming to bolster regional collaboration.
Meetings involved senior officials from the NCAA, Namibia Airports Company, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibian Police, immigration authorities, and other aviation partners. Discussions centered on regulatory improvements, safety performance, and infrastructure enhancements.
NCAA Director Toska Sem highlighted the visit’s significance: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to engage with our regional partners and stakeholders in reviewing our progress in aviation safety, security, and environmental protection. This visit is a testament to the NCAA’s commitment to strengthening our collaboration with key stakeholders and ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of Namibia’s civil aviation industry.”
A key focus was Namibia’s standing in ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). While the ESAF region’s Effective Implementation (EI) average sits at 61.2% below the global 70.5% Namibia achieved an impressive EI score of 73%, exceeding both benchmarks.
The ICAO team praised the NCAA’s strides in safety, security, and environmental protection, urging sustained cooperation to meet top international standards. The NCAA reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with stakeholders for a safer, more sustainable aviation sector in Namibia.
