Mozambique Establishes National Drone Programme for Disaster Response

Mozambique has established a permanent national drone capability for disaster preparedness after graduating its first 30 certified drone pilots on 13 July. The programme was financed through a US$967,000 grant from the African Development Bank’s Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund.

Implemented over 15 months from April 2025, the programme trained drone pilots while equipping national authorities with nine drones, geospatial mapping technology and digital disaster management systems. The investment gives Mozambique the ability to conduct aerial assessments and coordinate emergency response using locally trained personnel and in-country technology.

Responding to Flood Emergencies

The programme has already been deployed during emergency response operations. Following severe flooding in January and February 2026, the newly trained drone teams carried out aerial assessments to identify affected communities, assess damage to roads and public infrastructure, and support search-and-rescue operations. According to the African Development Bank, the drone imagery gave emergency teams faster access to critical information than conventional ground assessments, helping authorities prioritise relief efforts.

Expanding Drone Applications

The new drone capability will also support government programmes outside disaster response. The trained pilots are expected to assist with agricultural monitoring, land surveying, environmental management and infrastructure inspections, extending the use of drone technology across multiple sectors.

Mozambique remains one of Africa’s most climate-vulnerable countries, facing repeated cyclones, floods, droughts and coastal erosion that continue to damage infrastructure, agriculture and communities. The World Bank estimates that climate-related disasters reduce the country’s economic output by between two and three percent each year. Cyclones including Idai, Kenneth, Gombe and Freddy have affected millions of people over the past decade, placing greater emphasis on improving disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Mozambique now has trained drone operators, specialised equipment and digital tools that can be deployed during future emergencies. The African Development Bank believes the programme could provide a model for other climate-vulnerable African countries looking to strengthen disaster preparedness through drone technology. It is also expected to be showcased at the KOAFEC Ministerial Conference in September 2026.