The African drone industry is poised for significant growth, with Kenya leading the charge in this technological revolution. The Elevate Africa UAS Summit 2024 brought together industry leaders, drone enthusiasts, and next-generation pilots to discuss the future of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) across the continent. Organized by Kenya Flying Labs, Africa Drone Forum, and Pravesh Global in collaboration with KONZA Technopolis and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), this inaugural event showcased Africa’s potential in UAS technology.
Over 500 participants from 21 countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, and Nigeria, attended the summit, highlighting the diverse and dynamic landscape of drones in Africa. Discussions focused on the transformative impact of drones in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. Key speakers, including experts from KCAA and government officials, shared insights on drone regulation and technological advancements in Africa.
A notable feature of the summit was the Women in Drones panel, advocating for gender equity and emphasizing women’s pivotal role in advancing drone technology across the continent. At Konza Technopolis, the ‘Drone Zone’ workshop engaged over 150 students from various educational institutions, fostering hands-on learning in STEM fields and inspiring the next generation of drone professionals.
Anne Gitau, representing KCAA, emphasized Kenya’s leadership in the drone ecosystem, highlighting KCAA’s role in establishing regulatory frameworks to support industry growth. She noted, “Kenya is at the forefront of embracing drone technologies, poised to contribute significantly to the projected $43 billion global UAS market by 2025.”
Senator Tabitha Munene underscored Kenya’s success stories in drone applications, from delivering medical supplies in remote areas to enhancing agricultural productivity. She praised the government’s National Drones Strategy for promoting innovation and supporting youth and women in the sector. The summit also explored drones’ impact on wildlife conservation, mapping, and precision farming, showcasing their role in disaster management and response.
Eno Umoh, Chairman of the African Drone Forum, highlighted the event’s significance in fostering innovation and creating opportunities across Africa. He cited examples like Rwanda’s expedited medical deliveries and Ghana’s use of drones for agriculture monitoring as testament to Africa’s growing drone capabilities.
Konza Technopolis played a crucial role in the summit by hosting live drone demonstrations, illustrating the practical applications of modern drone technologies. John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, affirmed their commitment to driving innovation in the drone sector through initiatives like the licensed drone corridor.
Captain Mercy Makau, Aviation professional and Summit Ambassador, called for collective commitment to drive positive change through drone technology. She emphasized the potential of drones to create a sustainable future and encouraged collaboration towards achieving shared goals in aviation innovation.
Supported by sponsors and exhibitors, including industry leaders and technology innovators, the 2024 Elevate Africa UAS Summit demonstrated resilience and determination amid challenges, reflecting the collective ambition to harness drone technology for Africa’s development.
