Africa Surveyors May-June issue 2023 digital

DRONES
these tasks much more quickly and affordably than traditional
methods.
The use of drones in the maritime and shipping industry is another
great example of how they are revolutionizing the way safety is
managed on ships. Nigeria for instance has procured maritime
UAVs for its Deep Blue maritime security project, on the other
hand, the Seychelles Fishing Authority recently purchased marine
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with superior artificial intelligence
capabilities. By monitoring isolated locations along the Seychelles
coastline, these drones will enable real-time observation of ‘target
boats and boost search-and-rescue efforts.
By providing a bird’s eye view, drones can quickly survey the entire
length of a bridge or port to identify any potential hazards or
damages. Additionally, drones outfitted with infrared or thermal
sensors, operators can quickly identify any vessels that are in
distress, in need of assistance or conducting suspicious activity,
allowing for faster response times and improved safety on the open
sea.
Drones are clearly a disruptive technology trend with immense
potential when used correctly with expanding uses and real-world
significance for the continent’s present and future.
It is therefore critical that Africa works toward the same objective
of sustainable development in the context of a global environment
that relates to technical and digital innovation. The aviation
industry must continue to make contributions to the ongoing
commitment to dedicate resources and research to finding solutions
for Africa to help the development process.
To promote safe and secure use of drones, Kenya Airways’ Fahari
Aviation, an aviation technology business subsidiary, has been in the
forefront of delivering drone capabilities throughout East Africa. As
part of the airline’s plan to promote new directions within the sector
with the usage of drones and unmanned aircraft, Fahari Aviation has
the responsibility of launching and implementing future aviation
technology, train pilots of unmanned aerial vehicles and test drones
and drone equipment. Last year, Fahari Aviation unveiled Kenya’s
first drone cage. Today, Fahari Aviation sees drones used for a variety
of purposes, including, vegetation and wildlife conservation, medical
logistics, environmental impact assessment, crisis management and
screening, and humanitarian relief across the region.
Drones clearly provide several options for the African continent
and can play a key part in the future of Africa by achieving the
African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of creating a unified, wealthy, and
self-sufficient Africa. The future will undoubtedly come with more
surprises, along with further use of the technology.
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