The Namibian government has committed significant capital towards modernising the country’s air navigation systems.
Once completed, the upgraded systems are expected to allow Namibia to take control of additional airspace, including oceanic regions and areas south of Keetmanshoop that are currently managed by South Africa.
The Ministry of Works and Transport stated in the 2026/2027 budget documents that the radar and air traffic management infrastructure installed in 2010 has reached the end of its 15-year lifecycle, prompting a planned replacement.
Budget documents show that a total of N$252 million has been allocated for the 2025/2026 financial year, with N$652 million set aside over the medium term.
A consulting firm has already been contracted to conduct a technical feasibility assessment and prepare procurement documentation, the documents showed.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has allocated more than N$100 million to its Air Transport Administration Programme for the 2026/2027 financial year, aimed at enhancing aviation safety, upgrading critical systems, and strengthening regulatory oversight.
The programme consists of two sub-programmes: Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations, and Civil Aviation Air Navigation Services.
Documents showed that an amount of N$13.96 million has been earmarked for Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations. The sub-programme seeks to fulfil Namibia’s obligations under the Civil Aviation Act to the Chicago Convention, while promoting aviation safety through independent investigations.
Authorities reported a notable decline in aircraft accidents and incidents, attributed to improved stakeholder engagement and better monitoring of safety recommendations.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Air Navigation Services sub-programme received N$86.29 million. The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will use the funds to safeguard the country’s airspace and ensure efficient air navigation services.
In addition, N$47 million has been allocated as an operational budget for the NCAA for the 2026/2027 financial year. Despite limited resources, the Authority is expected to maintain high safety and security standards.
The government emphasised that air transport remains the fastest mode for both cargo and passengers, and continues to play a key role in driving economic growth, tourism, and international trade.
Overall, the Ministry has requested parliamentary approval for a total budget of N$2.07 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year, to support ongoing investments in transport infrastructure, safety systems, and regulatory functions critical to national development.
NCAA has said it continues to implement major infrastructure upgrades and capital projects aimed at modernising Namibia’s aviation systems.
Key initiatives include the acquisition and installation of new Radar, Air Traffic Management (ATM), and Wide Area Multilateration/Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (WAM/ADS-B) systems within the Windhoek Flight Information Region.
