(L-R) Changmoon Yang, MD of Busan Techno Park, South Korea; Mozambique’s minister of communication and digital transformation, and Akposso Marcelle, division manager, AfDB.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Mozambique, in collaboration with Korea's government agency, Busan Technopark, have developed a drone-based plan to improve natural disaster preparedness in the Southern African country.

The Drone-Based Disaster Management Project, funded by the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund for $967,000, would create a drone training centre in Mozambique and train 30 professionals, including ten instructors.

It will also implement a drone-based monitoring and response system in five high-risk flood zones, according to the AfDB.

As the country is frequently affected by floods, mudslides, cyclones, and other weather-related crises, the project is projected to improve real-time disaster monitoring, early warning systems, and predictive flood modelling, allowing Mozambique to better anticipate and mitigate climate-related disasters.

The initiative will be carried out over a six-month period, with the goal of developing into a centre of excellence and regional hub.

Muchanga Américo, Mozambique's minister of communication and digital transformation, commended the Drone-Based Disaster Management Project as a technology-driven endeavour to improve disaster preparedness and response.

According to Flavio da Gama, AfDB country economist, the project is about 'harnessing innovation to protect communities and infrastructure.'

He went on to say: "This project is not just about technology. It reflects the power of international cooperation, uniting governments, development institutions, and private sector partners in a shared mission: to protect lives, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable development."