Surprising measures for the ACM’s drone census

Mis à jour le 22 May 2026

In a context where the proliferation of drones is rapidly intensifying worldwide, Madagascar is no exception to this trend. The recent decision by the Madagascar Civil Aviation Authority (ACM), which imposes mandatory registration of all drones, reflects an apparent desire to regulate a rapidly expanding sector. However, this approach, while appearing to be a step towards transparency and security, raises numerous questions about its feasibility and effectiveness in a country facing major infrastructural and cultural challenges. The majority of users, whether amateurs or professionals, are often unaware of the true capabilities of their devices or the legal obligations that result from them. The spread of drones in the Malagasy skies only amplifies the urgency of appropriate regulations, but also the need for a context conducive to their application. While some stakeholders advocate strict regulation, others highlight its incompatibility with the reality on the ground, approaching the issue from a critical perspective regarding the practical implementation of such measures.

The Major Challenges of Drone Registration in 2025

For several years, the development of drones has accelerated, offering a multitude of uses ranging from leisure to surveillance, not to mention commercial and agricultural applications. Regulations, particularly in Europe and America, have evolved to regulate this growth in order to protect public safety and privacy. While Madagascar calls for a national approach, it must also address the complexity of its demographics and a fragile socio-economic context. The establishment of a registration registry aims to address several crucial issues:

• Ensure device traceability to prevent malicious use 🚨
• Facilitate owner identification in the event of incidents ⚠️
• Establish a clear legal framework to better control a still immature market 📈
• Prevent accidents due to improvisation or ignorance of regulations 🚁

Despite these objectives, Madagascar’s specific context raises a series of structural problems that undermine the real impact of this policy.

Structural challenges related to implementation in 2025

The majority of drones operating in the Malagasy archipelago belong to hobbyists, farmers, or enthusiasts, with various models from international manufacturers such as DJI, Parrot, or Holy Stone. Many of them are unaware of the regulatory obligations imposed on them, or are even unaware of the legislation in force. The majority of these devices often exceed the regulatory range of 100 meters, not to mention the complex onboard sensors. The challenge lies in effective traceability, since the official registration website remains inoperative to date. In addition to the lack of suitable infrastructure, the Malagasy population faces intermittent and unreliable internet access, making any digital procedure difficult and often inaccessible for the majority of users.

Consequently, implementing regulations as ambitious as mandatory registration could prove counterproductive, creating more exclusion than regulation. It also risks hindering responsible use, while those unaware of the legislation will continue to operate clandestinely, thus exacerbating the lack of control.

Regulating drone registration: a political and technical challenge

Regulations relating to drone registration are a major issue for national security and airspace management. However, the complexity of implementing them in a country like Madagascar, characterized by weak digital infrastructure and low awareness rates, places this approach under high pressure. The establishment of a coherent and pragmatic legal framework is essential to ensure that this measure does not remain a dead letter. To this end, the Malagasy government has been encouraged by international bodies to develop appropriate regulations, incorporating the country’s cultural and technological specificities. International case law, particularly in France and the United States, provides examples for avoiding common mistakes and ensuring balanced regulation.

Recommendations for Effective Regulation

For drone registration to truly contribute to safety and airspace management, several strategies must be adopted:

1. Create a simple registration procedure, accompanied by an awareness campaign 📢
2. Establish an accessible digital platform, but also promote alternative digital methods to address inequalities 📶
3. Empower users through training and educational campaigns 🎓
4. Strengthen cooperation with local and international manufacturers, such as Skydio and Autel Robotics, to promote appropriate regulation 🔧
5. Incorporate technical measures to limit range or disable certain sensors outside sensitive areas 🚫

Experiences abroad, particularly in France and the European Union, illustrate that well-designed regulations must be based on constant dialogue between authorities, users, and manufacturers. Accessible here, this approach must also take into account the specific Malagasy context. The operational side: a registration site that’s just a dream or a gem?Currently, the official tool for registering drones in Madagascar remains non-functional. The provisional procedure, based exclusively on electronic exchanges, raises many concerns. The multitude of technical and human challenges significantly hinders the implementation of an effective and efficient system. The majority of potential users have limited or unstable internet access, making any online process difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, the requirement to provide scanned documents such as supporting documents or photos of the drone with the serial number visible further complicates the process. This complexity risks fueling the platform with a majority of incomplete or erroneous submissions, reinforcing suspicions that this regulation could do more harm than good.

Current Registration System

Identified Issues

Official website not operational 🚫 Provisional procedure based on electronic exchanges 💻 Accessible only via the internet 🌐 Excludes the majority of the Malagasy population Required documents: photos, serial number, proof of ownership

According to this article, cooperation between manufacturers and regulatory authorities is becoming essential to limit abuse and enhance security. Legislative developments: case law and experiences on a global scale

The experiences of countries at the forefront of regulation, such as France, illustrate that a clear and evolving legal framework is key to managing this new digital revolution. In 2024, more than 1,800 drone authorizations were issued throughout France, demonstrating a certain degree of control over the phenomenon (source).

For Madagascar, the goal is to build on these experiences while adapting regulations to local economic and technological realities. Recent case law demonstrates the need to strike a balance between security and civil liberties, particularly in terms of image processing or surveillance. American and European case law provide an assessment framework for effectively equipping the country to prevent regulatory inflation from blocking development while protecting citizens.

• Outlook and recommendations for addressing drone proliferation in 2025
• More than ever, regulation must be based on a comprehensive strategy, integrating regulations, controls, awareness-raising, and cooperation with the private sector. For Madagascar, this involves:

Developing appropriate regulations that are flexible but firm and accessible to all 📝 Strengthening user training and safety awareness 🧠Promoting partnerships with international and local stakeholders specializing in drone technology 🤝 Improving digital infrastructure to facilitate registration and monitoring 📡Encouraging the development of drones designed for the local context, particularly for agriculture or environmental monitoring 🌱 A coherent and concerted approach would transform the proliferation of drones into an opportunity for Madagascar, provided that the regulations are adapted to the terrain and available resources. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main challenges for drone registration in Madagascar?

The lack of digital infrastructure, lack of user awareness, and the absence of a functional platform are significantly slowing implementation.

How can regulations evolve to better reflect the local context? By developing an accessible platform, training the population, and integrating appropriate technical measures, but also by partnering with manufacturers to limit abuses.What is the best way to raise awareness among Malagasy users?

Through educational campaigns, practical workshops, and by emphasizing individual responsibility for aviation safety and privacy.

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