Mozambique, AfDB Launch Drone Project to Boost Disaster Readiness
The African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique and South Korea’s Busan Technopark, has officially launched a cutting-edge drone-based initiative aimed at improving the country’s disaster preparedness and resilience to climate-induced emergencies.
Unveiled in the capital Maputo on Thursday, the Drone-Based Disaster Management Project seeks to equip Mozambique with real-time disaster monitoring capabilities. The initiative includes the establishment of a national drone training centre to train 30 local professionals—including 10 future instructors—and deploy a drone monitoring and response system across five high-risk flood zones in the country.
Mozambique is one of Africa’s most disaster-prone nations, frequently facing floods, cyclones, and mudslides. These weather-related disasters have historically caused extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and communities. The new drone initiative will offer enhanced early warning systems, flood modeling, and data collection capabilities, contributing significantly to national efforts in disaster risk reduction.
“This is just the beginning,” said Muchanga Américo, Mozambique’s Minister of Communication and Digital Transformation, during the launch. “We warmly welcome this initiative as it brings innovative solutions that will strengthen our preparedness and response capabilities using cutting-edge technology.”
Funded by the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund and managed by the African Development Bank, the $967,000 project will be implemented over a six-month period by Busan Technopark, a South Korean agency known for its leadership in technological innovation and disaster management. The project is expected to evolve into a regional hub and centre of excellence.
Flavio da Gama, the Bank’s Country Economist representing the Country Manager for Mozambique, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “This project is not just about drones or data—it’s about collaboration. It showcases the power of international partnerships to save lives, protect infrastructure, and promote sustainable development.”
According to Changmoon Yang, Managing Director of Busan Technopark, “Drones provide critical data for flood management. This project will demonstrate how technology can be a life-saving tool in climate-vulnerable regions.”
The event concluded with the signing of a tripartite agreement between the African Development Bank, Busan Technopark, and the Government of Mozambique. A prototype drone was also presented, symbolizing the beginning of a new era in Mozambique’s climate adaptation and emergency response efforts.
