Staff Writer
The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it did not act in an ‘unreasonable manner’ when it blocked the private jet carrying American Youtuber IshowSpeed from entering Namibia for failing to abide by the regulatory requirements set to access the country’s airspace.
IShowSpeed, born Darren Jason Watkins Jr is a highly prominent American YouTuber, online streamer, and rapper known for his energetic and often chaotic personality.
As of January 2026, he has amassed over 47 million subscribers on his primary YouTube channel and is currently conducting a high-profile “Speed Does Africa” tour
A statement released by their Manager: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Nelson Ashipala on Thursday rejected any implication that it acted unreasonably or obstructively in relation to the non-issuance of an overflight and landing clearance permit to the agent for the proposed visit by IShowSpeed.
The decision by the NCAA has attracted criticism and anger from young Namibins who follow the Youtuber on line while others say it could be a missed opportunity for Namibia to market herself as a destination.
The American Youtuber was expected to live-stream content from Namibia as part of the Africa Stream Tour. He has so far visited South Africa, Eswathini, Botswana and Zimbabwe in his whirlwind tour of Africa which is gaining traction among his mostly young followers.
“Regulatory timelines are established to enable comprehensive safety, security, and operational assessments. Applications that are submitted late, incomplete, or without the requisite statutory approvals cannot be accommodated, irrespective of the nature of the flight or the profile of the operator involved,” Ashipala said.
The NCAA reiterated that aviation safety and regulatory compliance are paramount and will not be compromised.
“All operators are urged to plan well in advance, familiarise themselves with applicable Namibian Civil Aviation Regulations, and engage the relevant authorities timeously to avoid operational,” he said
Ashipala said the agent was advised to use an alternative agent registered in Namibia but did not take the option.
He said visiting aircrafts may apply for authorisation to operate an ad hoc international air transport service where the aircraft carries no more than nine passengers or 1,000 kg of mail or cargo to or from Namibia.Such authorization is processed through the NCAA.
“The Transport Commission, operating under the Ministry of Works and Transport, is entrusted with the administration of the Air Service Act of 1949. Pursuant to Section3(1)(c) of the Act, the Commission holds the authority to grant exemptions for operations that exceed established limitations. Such exemptions must be obtained prior to the NCAA considering the issuance of overflight and landing
Clearances,” Ashipala said.
Ashipala added that, “In this instance, the required exemption from the Transport Commission was not obtained. Furthermore, the operator was formally advised to utilise a locally licensed Namibian charter operator as an alternative, in line with the intent and application of Government Notice No. 58. This advisory was issued as a lawful and practical alternative to ensure compliance with Namibian aviation regulations.”
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