Drone sightings reported in several areas across Namibia is raising concern of farmers who fear these drones may be connected to cattle theft and poaching. The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) in its weekly newsletter states that drones, particularly sighted at night, in several areas of the country, is a cause of concern.

According to the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), drone flights at night are prohibited. The NAU and Joint Crime Prevention Forum (JCPF) are engaging with the NCAA, Namibian Police Force (NamPol) and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue.

While the use of drones in the country is still relatively limited, the drone sector is developing rapidly. Legislation and regulations exist but “there are still a number of grey areas”, according to the NAU’s statement. Drones have significant benefits to agriculture, especially in the vast rural areas of the country. Drones are used to inspect fences and boundaries, monitor water installations, do crop surveillance, bush clearing and livestock monitoring and anti-poaching activities. The police make use of drones for search and surveillance operations regarding the stock theft and poaching.

INCREASING NUISANCE

According to the NAU, drones have become an increasing nuisance across the country, with more farmers and rural residents reporting sightings, especially at night. Farmers are concerned that these nightly drone activities may be connected to poaching and theft. The NAU has called in the public to report sightings. A group of concerned citizens has established data collection protocol to log sightings that may be connected to criminal activity.

“Alarm has been raised with the police and the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), and both instances require written feedback to start an investigation,” NAU explained.

Report suspicious drone activity Any suspicious drone sightings, particularly at night and that cannot be directly verified as used by neighbours, for instance, should be reported immediately to NamPol can be contacted at any time
at +264-81-222-2883.

Sightings should also be reported to the NCAA at incidents@ncaa.na to determine whether any registered activity is taking place.

WHAT TO REPORT

It is important to report if a pattern of drone activity can be established. Report the exact co-ordinates. Report the direction and estimated distance of the drone’s activity.

AFFIDAVIT

Observers should complete an affidavit, and have it certified at a police station, the union added. The completed form, along with any photos (if available), should then be shared in the relevant WhatsApp group to enable authorities to investigate possible links to criminal activity in the area.

Data collection will include monitoring sightings, mapping locations or flight paths, recording frequency, and noting
the size of the drones. “Should drones be confiscated, they should be handled with care so that fingerprints, IP address details, drone type, make, and model, and footage can be secured.”

The NAU said individuals who observe drone activity are encouraged to follow specific steps, including joining a regional WhatsApp group. Observers should complete an affidavit and have it certified at a police station, the union added. Affidavit. (https://mcusercontent.com/e4d3c22d26728a5c0b2518283/files/494730d7-535e-5238-2b07-2427fb486482/3._Affidavit_Template_Fillable_.pdf)

RECKLESS FLIGHTS

In September 2025, the NCAA issued a stern warning to drone operators as reports of reckless flights in restricted areas continued to rise. According to NCAA spokesperson Nelson Ashipala, drones are increasingly flying near airports, military bases, national parks, private homes, and farms, posing a direct threat to aviation safety and public security. Some even land at private homes, which is a breach of security.

Citing escalating security concerns linked to rhino poaching, the tourism ministry recently drones are completely banned within Etosha National Park, Part 101 of the Namibian Civil Aviation Regulations, drone flights in restricted or prohibited airspace, near aerodromes, or beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight are illegal unless operators hold proper certification and authorisation.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Every drone must be registered with the NCAA. Depending on the size of the drone, different pilot licensing requirements apply. Every flight must be registered with the NCAA. Farmers may apply for annual approval to operate within their farm area. The maximum flight altitude is 150 feet above ground level.

Tourists who wish to fly drones in Namibia must register with the NCAA before arrival. Flying in national parks or protected areas is prohibited. While acknowledging the value of drones in agriculture, research, tourism, and photography, Ashipala said misuse threatens national interests and cannot be ignored. The NCAA has warned that those caught breaking the law will face decisive enforcement measures. To curb violations, the NCAA will soon launch a Responsible Use of Drones campaign, aimed at educating the public, highlighting no-fly zones, and promoting accountability.

Sources:

Smit, E. (2025) NCAA cracks down on reckless drone operators. Tourismus | https://www.tourismus.com.na/africa-ts/ncaa-cracksdown-on-reckless-drone-operators2025-09-10

Drone sightings reported in several areas across Namibia (2026). Namibian Agricultural Union newsletter
| https://mcusercontent.com/e4d3c22d26728a5c0b2518283/files/d1340aab-79f4-3a1b-4ffe-42c27faf5443/Drones_
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