Mozambique has taken a significant step toward strengthening its disaster resilience through the launch of the Drone-Based Disaster Management Project, jointly implemented by the African Development Bank, the Government of Mozambique, and Korea’s Busan Techno Park. The initiative introduces advanced drone and data technologies to enhance the country’s capacity to anticipate, monitor, and respond to climate-related disasters more effectively.
As part of the project, a structured capacity-building program has been launched to train government experts in the use of aerial surveillance tools and real-time data systems. Recently, Mozambique received state-of-the-art drones and integrated systems for data collection, monitoring, and communication, which were handed over to the National Institute of Meteorology to support early warning and rapid disaster response operations.
The project comes at a critical time, as Mozambique continues to face escalating climate challenges. Recurrent cyclones, intense tropical storms, severe floods, and prolonged droughts have increasingly disrupted lives, damaged infrastructure, and endangered food and water security. Rising sea levels are also threatening the nation’s coastal regions and ecosystems, underscoring the urgent need for modern disaster management solutions.
Through this initiative, 30 government professionals from key national institutions will participate in intensive training conducted in three groups. Each cohort will complete two weeks of theoretical and hands-on instruction. Following the initial phase, ten outstanding participants will advance to a specialized course to become certified national drone instructors, creating a sustainable framework for local expertise and long-term capacity building.
Project leaders emphasized the transformative potential of this effort. El Khili Lhoucine of the African Development Bank described the program as a leap forward in enabling Mozambique to detect and respond to disasters with greater speed and precision. Fidelis Mnyanyi, the Bank’s co-team leader, highlighted the milestone as the foundation for a skilled, self-reliant national disaster response workforce. National Institute of Meteorology Deputy Director General Mussa Mustafa added that the new technology would significantly enhance the country’s weather risk management capabilities.
Participants and partners echoed the program’s importance, noting its role in empowering communities and improving safety during emergencies. Representing Busan Techno Park, Yeji Lee reaffirmed Korea’s support for this transformative collaboration. Overall, the initiative reflects the African Development Bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovation, resilience, and sustainable development across Africa.
