Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are revolutionizing the way businesses operate in Africa. These flying machines are proving to be a valuable tool for development efforts in various sectors, from medical logistics to precision agriculture. Cleopa Otieno, the CEO of Kenya Flying Labs, shed light on the significant impact drones are having on business growth in Africa during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. One of the most notable ways drones can drive business growth is through last-mile medical logistics. Otieno highlighted how drones are being utilized to transport emergency goods such as blood, antibiotics, and vaccines to remote areas, ultimately saving lives. In addition to medical logistics, drones are also being used for mapping and surveying purposes. Engineers can now easily collect valuable data without the need to cut down vegetation, streamlining the construction process and enabling projects to be delivered more efficiently. Moreover, the advancement in precision agriculture has opened up new opportunities for farmers to improve crop health and yield. Drones equipped with sensors can study soil properties, spray crops, and detect diseases, ultimately helping farmers make informed decisions to enhance their farming practices. Otieno emphasized the integration of drone data with artificial intelligence and machine learning, which provides farmers with crucial insights to optimize their agricultural methods. In terms of building local capacity, businesses are focusing on training and employing individuals from the communities they serve. Otieno stressed the importance of community acceptance of drone technology, as many are still wary due to the association of drones with military applications. To address this, Kenya Flying Labs conducts extensive community engagement sessions to educate locals and train them in operating drones. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that there is a skilled workforce capable of leveraging drone technology effectively in the airspace shared by both manned and unmanned vehicles. By harnessing the potential of drones for business growth, Africa is poised to experience a technological revolution that will drive innovation, increase efficiency, and foster economic development across various industries. As businesses continue to adopt drone technology and invest in local capacity building, the continent is set to unlock new opportunities and pave the way for sustainable growth in the future.
