The African Development Bank, Mozambique’s government, and Korea’s Busan Technopark have launched a drone-based disaster management initiative aimed at improving the country’s preparedness for climate-related crises.
Why it matters
Mozambique is one of Africa’s most disaster-prone countries, frequently hit by floods, cyclones, and mudslides.
The new initiative introduces real-time drone monitoring and early warning systems, which could be a game-changer for protecting lives and infrastructure.
Details
- A drone training center will be set up in Maputo to train local experts.
- A drone monitoring and response system will be deployed across five high-risk flood zones.
- The project includes tech and knowledge transfer to allow Mozambique to manage the system independently for at least three years.
By the numbers
- $967,000: Total project funding from KOAFEC Trust Fund
- 30: Professionals to be trained, including 10 drone instructors
- 5: High-risk flood zones to be monitored using drones
- 6 months: Initial implementation timeline
What they’re saying
- “This project reflects the power of international cooperation… to protect lives and promote sustainable development,” said Flavio da Gama, AfDB Country Economist.
- “Technology can save lives,” added Changmoon Yang, Managing Director of Busan Technopark.
- “This is just the beginning,” said Mozambique’s Minister of Communication and Digital Transformation, Muchanga Américo.
The big picture
The project is part of AfDB’s broader push to boost climate resilience and digital transformation across Africa. If successful, the drone model could be replicated in other disaster-prone regions.
Zoom out
Korea, a global leader in drone technology, is deepening partnerships in Africa to promote digital innovation and real-time data systems for crisis response.
What’s next
A tripartite agreement signed at the launch event paves the way for full rollout and long-term sustainability, potentially turning Mozambique into a regional hub for drone-based disaster management.
