• 10 African startups were selected as finalists for the first African Drone Business Challenge
• The finalists represented 9 African countries – Nigeria, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
• The award is sponsored by UK Aid/DfiD, and the World Bank
• Global Air Drone Academy emerged as the Grand Prize winner of £20,000 in prize money

Finalists were selected from a competitive pool of almost 150 submissions from 31 African countries. Applicants were asked to provide business concepts that focused on leveraging drone technology to generate new business opportunities. Proposals were evaluated by a panel of local and international judges and scored based on several factors including: potential for growth and sustainability, focus on using drones for social good, and the economic empowerment of African communities.

All 10 finalists attended the Africa Drone Forum in Kigali and participated in a two-day pitch boot camp facilitated by Seedstars, along with exhibition space and networking opportunities. Each startup team presented their business ideas to a panel of judges and audience of more than 800 people. Following the pitching, the Global Air Drone Academy was announced the Grand Prize winner of £20,000, sponsored by the World Bank and UKAID/DfID.

“The World Bank is proud to support these promising startups as they gain momentum and continue to push their business ideas forward. By participating in the African Drone Forum, entrepreneurs will get exposure to both local and global players within the drone industry,” said Yasser El-Gammal, World Bank Country Manager in Rwanda, the host country for the African Drone Forum.

FUTURE PLANS

Jessica Brown, Development and Grants Manager for the Global Air Drone Academy says that the prize money will be used to construct a permanent drone training, education and research center in Lagos, Nigeria.

ABOUT GADA

The Global Air Drone Academy is a drone training, education, and consultation organization based in Baltimore, MD. We are dedicated to building the next generation of drone professionals. Since 2016 they have trained over 6,000 students in 400+ schools, and in 8 countries worldwi

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