Illegal billboards face removal
Phillipus Josef
The City of Windhoek (CoW) is stepping up efforts to regulate outdoor advertising, warning businesses and individuals that erecting billboards, banners or posters without approval could prove costly. The move comes as the municipality seeks to balance revenue collection with urban aesthetics and public safety.
CoW spokesperson Harold Akwenye explained that formal approval for outdoor advertising is governed by Section 94(1)(ae) of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23 of 1992) and Government Notice 245 of 2008. These regulations prohibit, restrict and control advertising in public spaces, including streets, buildings, fences, rocks and trees.
“All outdoor advertising structures must receive prior written approval from the Municipal Council before they are erected. Approval is only granted if the advertisement complies with safety standards, zoning regulations, aesthetic guidelines and our outdoor advertising policy,” Akwenye said.
The approval process requires applicants to submit detailed designs, site plans, proof of landowner consent and structural compliance documents. Once processed, an annual licence is issued upon payment of the prescribed fees. A separate process applies to ad hoc or short-term advertising, such as banners over Independence Avenue or A-frame trailers.
To enforce compliance, the City’s Economic Development Division conducts routine inspections three times a week to identify illegal or non-compliant signage. Akwenye noted that the enforcement process is structured: advertisers are first issued formal notices explaining the contravention, followed by a grace period to rectify the situation. Failure to comply results in fines, and where necessary, the Council removes the unauthorised structure at the owner’s cost.
“Advertising without approval is a contravention of the law,” he said. “Penalties include fines, possible removal of the structure, and recovery of administrative costs. Our inspections are continuous, and we also act on public complaints.”
The municipality generates revenue from approved outdoor advertising through application charges, annual licence payments, and lease fees for municipal land. Akwenye confirmed that the annual revenue target for the 2025/26 financial year is N$7 million. However, he noted that this figure fluctuates due to market conditions, enforcement levels and increased monitoring of illegal signage.
Looking ahead, the City is reviewing its Outdoor Advertising Policy and enforcement strategies to strengthen compliance. Plans include tighter monitoring using digital tools, clearer policy guidelines, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Akwenye said the reforms aim to address emerging advertising formats while ensuring Windhoek’s streets and public spaces remain safe and visually appealing.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na
The City of Windhoek (CoW) is stepping up efforts to regulate outdoor advertising, warning businesses and individuals that erecting billboards, banners or posters without approval could prove costly. The move comes as the municipality seeks to balance revenue collection with urban aesthetics and public safety.
CoW spokesperson Harold Akwenye explained that formal approval for outdoor advertising is governed by Section 94(1)(ae) of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23 of 1992) and Government Notice 245 of 2008. These regulations prohibit, restrict and control advertising in public spaces, including streets, buildings, fences, rocks and trees.
“All outdoor advertising structures must receive prior written approval from the Municipal Council before they are erected. Approval is only granted if the advertisement complies with safety standards, zoning regulations, aesthetic guidelines and our outdoor advertising policy,” Akwenye said.
The approval process requires applicants to submit detailed designs, site plans, proof of landowner consent and structural compliance documents. Once processed, an annual licence is issued upon payment of the prescribed fees. A separate process applies to ad hoc or short-term advertising, such as banners over Independence Avenue or A-frame trailers.
To enforce compliance, the City’s Economic Development Division conducts routine inspections three times a week to identify illegal or non-compliant signage. Akwenye noted that the enforcement process is structured: advertisers are first issued formal notices explaining the contravention, followed by a grace period to rectify the situation. Failure to comply results in fines, and where necessary, the Council removes the unauthorised structure at the owner’s cost.
“Advertising without approval is a contravention of the law,” he said. “Penalties include fines, possible removal of the structure, and recovery of administrative costs. Our inspections are continuous, and we also act on public complaints.”
The municipality generates revenue from approved outdoor advertising through application charges, annual licence payments, and lease fees for municipal land. Akwenye confirmed that the annual revenue target for the 2025/26 financial year is N$7 million. However, he noted that this figure fluctuates due to market conditions, enforcement levels and increased monitoring of illegal signage.
Looking ahead, the City is reviewing its Outdoor Advertising Policy and enforcement strategies to strengthen compliance. Plans include tighter monitoring using digital tools, clearer policy guidelines, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Akwenye said the reforms aim to address emerging advertising formats while ensuring Windhoek’s streets and public spaces remain safe and visually appealing.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na
