Mozambique has entered a new chapter in strengthening its disaster resilience capabilities with the implementation of the Drone-Based Disaster Management Project, led by African Development Bank , the Government of Mozambique, and Korea-based Busan Techno Park.
Last week, the partners launched a structured capacity-building program, which will equip the country with cutting-edge aerial surveillance technology and the expertise to deploy it when disaster strikes. Mozambique recently took delivery of advanced drones and data collection, analysis, monitoring, and communication systems, delivered to the National Institute of Meteorology.
Mozambique faces mounting climate vulnerabilities, including cyclones and tropical storms of increasing frequency and intensity, devastating floods that displace thousands and destroy infrastructure, prolonged droughts threatening food security and water resources, and rising sea levels endangering coastal communities and ecosystems.
Officials say traditional disaster response mechanisms cannot match the speed and scale of climate-driven emergencies.
"This project delivers cutting-edge drone technology to help Mozambique anticipate, detect, and respond to disasters faster and more effectively," said El Khili Lhoucine, project team leader.
A total of 30 government experts from key national institutions will undergo a comprehensive training program delivered in three cohorts of 10 participants each, with each group receiving two weeks of theoretical and practical training.
Ten exceptional trainees will advance to become certified national drone instructors, through an additional two-week advanced programme. This will create a pool of local expertise that will train future generations of climate disaster specialists, ensuring Mozambique's climate resilience capacity grows stronger with time.
"This phase is a pivotal moment. With the arrival of this equipment and the structured training program ahead, we are developing a skilled national workforce capable of leading disaster response with confidence and autonomy," said African Development Bank's project co-team leader, Fidelis Mnyanyi, underscoring the importance of the moment.
"With this technology, Mozambique will enhance its capacity to detect and respond to weather-related risks," stated Mussa Mustafa, Deputy Director General of Mozambique's National Institute of Meteorology.
"This training empowers us to use modern tools to better protect our communities during disasters," said Eunicia Sambo, a government expert and training participant.
"Korea is proud to support this transformative initiative through BTP," added Yeji Lee, Global Business Team Lead -BTP.
The initiative reinforces the African Development Bank 's broader commitment to promoting innovation, resilience, and sustainable development across Africa.
