AfDB and Aerosense sign partnership to advance drone technology in Africa
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Aerosense Inc., a leading Japanese drone manufacturer, have signed an agreement to boost cooperation and advance drone technology projects in Africa. The signing took place on August 21 during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan.
The agreement was formalized by Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, and Kohtaro Sabe, President and CEO of Aerosense Inc. It establishes mutual collaboration through knowledge sharing, technical studies, and financing opportunities with the goal of developing sustainable infrastructure solutions in Africa.
Drone technology to strengthen infrastructure
Earlier in June 2025, Aerosense Inc. was selected under the AfDB’s Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA). Through this partnership, the Bank will facilitate coordination with public sector stakeholders, raise awareness, support local capacity building, and explore debt and equity financing for drone-related projects.
For its part, Aerosense will conduct demand studies across African markets, perform technical feasibility assessments based on geographical conditions, and explore deployment opportunities where viable.
Expanding applications beyond road management
Quaynor emphasized the broader potential of the partnership, noting that drones can be used for disaster management, flood and river control, agricultural monitoring, and medical equipment delivery.
“This program is a bold response to Africa’s growing infrastructure challenges. By partnering with Aerosense, we will not only promote efficient road management but also unique solutions across different sectors,” said Quaynor.
Sabe added: “It is a great honor to serve Africa with our Japanese technology. We look forward to working with AfDB to build a better future together in a concrete manner.”
The collaboration marks an important step in leveraging drone technology for Africa’s infrastructure development, with potential to improve efficiency, resilience, and overall quality of life.
