A groundbreaking milestone was celebrated on Friday as Drones for Africa held its inaugural graduation ceremony at the Grand Palm Hotel. The event marked the successful completion of training for a group of skilled drone pilots, furthering Botswana’s strides in embracing innovation.
Addressing the graduates, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, hailed the initiative as a pivotal step toward technological advancement. “Our innovation ecosystem is undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis,” he said. “We are no longer passive recipients of technology; we are becoming creators, leaders, and shapers of technological solutions.”
The Minister highlighted the transformative potential of drone technology in reshaping the nation’s infrastructure landscape. He commended the graduates, referring to them as Botswana’s “new infrastructure architects,” and urged industry stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches. “By embracing this evolving technology, we can position Botswana as a continental leader in infrastructure innovation,” he noted.
Drones for Africa, a 100% citizen-owned company, has established itself as a one-stop shop for drone-related products and services, including drone sales, rentals, pilot training, and repairs. The company also provides data analytics and specialized solutions for agriculture, real estate, and insurance.
“Our value proposition lies in delivering the abundance of drone technology, its tools, and services to both technical and non-technical audiences,” says the company. “We simplify the technology, making it discoverable, accessible, and useful to a diverse group of users.”
With the graduation of these skilled pilots, Drones for Africa aims to contribute to Botswana’s technological independence and resilience. By empowering individuals with the skills to operate drones, the company envisions a future where drone technology drives efficiency and innovation across industries.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem. Minister Salakae emphasized that drones would play a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure development, from monitoring construction projects to providing last-mile delivery solutions in agriculture.
The graduates expressed enthusiasm about their role in the country’s evolving technological landscape. “Being part of this program has opened new horizons for me,” said one graduate. “I look forward to applying my skills to improve various sectors in Botswana.”
As the continues to embrace innovation, initiatives like this symbolize the nation’s readiness to lead the way in leveraging technology for sustainable development. The graduation ceremony marked not just an achievement for the trainees but also a significant leap forward for local technological aspirations.
