UNICEF and the Government of Malawi are spearheading the use of drones and data for development and humanitarian purposes. In June 2017, they opened the first drone testing corridor worldwide as a technology-friendly environment for local and international drone companies to test their solutions.
Since then, UNICEF, with its partners, has been using drones for a wide range of different applications in Malawi – from delivering medical commodities to collecting aerial imagery for predictive analytics. Aerial drone imagery can potentially be used to identify mosquito breeding sites and help to combat malaria. Processed drone images can help identify flood-prone areas and prevent cholera outbreaks by creating vulnerability maps of areas that lack basic hygiene infrastructure. Artificial intelligence can also classify aerial photographs of crops to improve food security and help to prevent malnutrition. Drones and data are also used to support real-time emergency response for children and their communities.
Drones, data and artificial intelligence are leapfrog technologies that allow more informed and agile development response and potentially accelerate economic growth in the region. However, to achieve this, Malawi and neighbouring countries lack qualified and skilled personnel needed to seize the opportunities offered by drone and data technology. To respond to the skills deficit, UNICEF established the first African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) in January 2020.
Our mother project Our core values
1. Safety: No matter if you are flying or in the lab, students and instructors alike must work in a safe manner.
2. Integrity: Honesty and fairness guide our decisions and teaching methods.
3. Quality Education: To prepare Africa's youth for the drone & data industry is through hands-on, quality education.
4. Partnerships: Creating solid, long-term partnerships with local & international organizations such as UNICEF.
5. Empowerment: Students leave the ADDA feeling empowered to make change in their local communities.
6. Diversity: We are committed to ensuring intercultural and international diversity in our curriculum and our people.
What our graduates say
I would like to build drones using low cost locally available materials to reduce the price of drones and allow many people to have access to use this technology.
Ethel Ponderani
MalawiI am passionate about applying Artificial Intelligence technology to solve agriculture, environment, climate change and healthcare problems in Botswana and Africa,
Tlamelo Makati
BotswanaI would like to become a spatial data provider, making all spatial data readily available and analyzed depending on the interest of organizations like UNICEF and governmental departments.
Deborah Mtambalika
MalawiSince being at the Academy, I have learned how to design and fly drones, and run a successful drone operation.
Keziah Mtwiga
KenyaMy expectations after graduating from ADDA is to get collaborations for a PhD in vector-borne research or parasitology that will help me to become an independent researcher
Shittu Dhikullahi
Nigeria