Africa is increasingly becoming a driving force for data-driven solutions to socio-economic and environmental challenges. Digital technologies, especially civil drones, are being used more and more - from agriculture to environmental and climate protection. However, despite the potential, non-African companies still dominate the market, creating dependencies and questioning the accuracy of imported solutions.
This is where the "Triangular Cooperation for Digital Innovation 'Made in Africa'" project comes in, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It specifically promotes digital innovations under African leadership, strengthens the development of local technologies and drives cross-border innovation transfer. The focus is on drone and data technologies for biodiversity and climate protection projects.
In this context, Windrove welcomed a high-level delegation from Rwanda and Côte d'Ivoire in Hamburg last week. Accompanied by GIZ and Luftlabor, the study trip took decision-makers and experts from government agencies, civil aviation, universities and local GIZ offices through Germany to learn about innovative drone applications and strengthen international cooperation.
The focus was on practical use cases: In Côte d'Ivoire, drones and satellite data monitor forests, help protect wildlife, and measure carbon storage. In Rwanda, they are being used to target malaria with larvicides and in precision agriculture, for example in the coffee and tea sectors. High-resolution mapping helps control pests efficiently and predict yields accurately. Autonomous systems are also playing an increasingly important role in disaster management, providing early warnings and improving situational awareness.
Kolja Harders, Head of the Foreign Trade Department at the Authority for Economy and Innovation (BWI), emphasized the importance of cooperation in his welcoming speech: "Diversified partnerships are the key to innovation. Hamburg is specifically focusing on cooperation with African countries - especially in forward-looking areas such as civil aviation, sustainability and the hydrogen strategy. Franziska Biermann, Head of Cluster Policy at BWI, emphasized the role of networks such as Windrove, which bring together business, science and administration in a targeted manner.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of Hamburg's drone industry. Institutions such as the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), the Agency for Geoinformation and Surveying (LGV) and the University of Hamburg as well as companies such as Airial UAS, BioConsult SH, DM-Airtech, Dronemasters Academy, mb+Partner, Spherie, Skylab and ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research presented innovative projects. Particularly impressive was the final visit to the DigiLab of Landesbetrieb Straßen, Brücken und Gewässer (LSBG), where the delegation was able to experience live AI-powered drone applications, the drone control center and the DigiCave - a virtual environment for real-life scenarios such as construction site inspections.
The enthusiasm of the delegation was palpable and the common goal was clear: to drive innovation, share knowledge and expand partnerships. We would like to thank everyone involved and look forward to further exchanges and future collaborations!