Mozambique has officially certified its first cohort of 30 drone operators as part of a national effort to modernize disaster response and improve resilience against floods, cyclones, and other emergencies. The initiative is backed by the African Development Bank and supported through the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund, reflecting growing international cooperation in climate and technology-driven solutions.
Launched in April 2025, the Drone-Based Disaster Management Solution project is designed to integrate drone technology into Mozambique’s emergency preparedness systems, enabling faster and more accurate response to natural disasters that frequently impact the country.
The training program was conducted in Maputo through collaboration between Mozambique’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Transformation, Busan Technopark from South Korea, and PNU Drone, an aerospace-focused enterprise affiliated with Pusan National University.
Participants received comprehensive instruction in drone piloting, airspace regulations, mission planning, data collection, and equipment maintenance. The program also produced 10 certified instructors, ensuring long-term local capacity building and knowledge transfer within government institutions.
Following certification, Mozambique plans to deploy drones across five high-risk zones identified by national authorities. A selected group of 10 operators will lead initial field operations using the technology for search and rescue missions, aerial mapping, surveillance, water quality monitoring, and early warning data collection.
Officials say the integration of drones will significantly improve response times and decision-making during emergencies, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas where traditional disaster response methods are limited.
The project, valued at approximately $967,000, highlights a broader strategy of triangular cooperation between African nations and global technology partners. According to stakeholders involved in the initiative, the goal is not only to introduce advanced tools but also to ensure Mozambique develops the internal expertise required to independently operate and expand the system in the future.
Representatives from the African Development Bank emphasized that the program is designed to move beyond training into real-world application, strengthening national institutions and improving public safety outcomes.
With the completion of this first training phase, Mozambique has taken a significant step toward building a technology-enabled disaster management system. The introduction of a certified drone workforce is expected to enhance national resilience, reduce emergency response times, and improve coordination during climate-related crises.
As the country prepares for operational deployment, the program stands as a model for how emerging technologies can be leveraged to protect lives and strengthen disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
