Dar es Salaam. At the Tanzania DJI Drone User Conference held on November 28th, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, an urgent call was made by Mr. Daniel Malanga, the Acting Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).
With a tone that commanded both respect and responsibility, he addressed the assembly of drone operators, stakeholders, and experts gathered from across the nation.
“As we stand on the edge of a new technological frontier, I urge all drone operators and stakeholders to observe the highest standards of safety and security in our operations,” Mr. Malanga’s voice echoed through the conference hall.
“Only by ensuring responsible usage can we unlock the true benefits of drone technology—benefits that extend far beyond the drone itself and into the broader economic and social fabric of our nation.”
His words hung in the air, not just as a reminder, but as a call to action.
Drones had the power to transform industries, elevate economies, and improve lives—but only if used safely and ethically.
The audience—made up of drone enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, academics, and government officials—understood that they were at a critical juncture.
The path forward would require not just innovation, but collaboration and responsibility.
The promise of drones
Drones were already proving to be powerful tools in a variety of industries across Tanzania, from agriculture to healthcare to infrastructure. But while the potential was enormous, so too were the risks.
Mr Malanga had been clear: without proper oversight, without adherence to safety protocols, drones could pose threats to airspace, to people, and to the very systems they were meant to enhance.
But when managed properly, drones were catalysts for positive change.
Across the conference hall, heads nodded in agreement as Mr Malanga continued.
“The true north of aviation is to nurture technologies that complement the use of aircraft and enhance the multiplier effects on sectors like agriculture, tourism, mining, and trade,” asserted Mr Malanga, who also doubles as the TCAA Economic Regulation Director.
The room was filled with a renewed sense of purpose.
For drone operators, the promise was clear—if they adhered to safety and security regulations, they would not only protect the people around them, but they would also be part of something much larger: the growth of an industry that could reshape Tanzania’s economy.
The Economic Impact of Drone Technology
The potential economic benefits of drones were undeniable. Mr Malanga spoke of drones as a force for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation across industries that were the backbone of Tanzania’s economy.
In agriculture, for instance, drones were already being used to revolutionize farming practices.
“Drones provide precise and efficient ways of spraying fertilizers and pesticides, allowing farmers to cover large areas quickly and accurately,” Mr Malanga explained.
Adding: “This not only saves time but also significantly reduces costs, enabling farmers to invest more in crop production and increase yields.”
This efficiency had ripple effects throughout the economy.
By reducing labor costs and minimizing errors in traditional farming practices, drones enabled farmers to achieve higher productivity.
The resulting agricultural growth fueled other sectors, such as trade and tourism, as healthier crops were harvested for export and local markets.
In the mining industry, drones were streamlining operations by mapping terrains and surveying large areas in record time, allowing businesses to explore resources more efficiently and safely.
The cost savings and productivity improvements could then be reinvested into expanding operations or improving local communities.
The Social Impact of Drones
Beyond economic benefits, drones were also having a profound impact on society.
Mr Malanga highlighted the role of drones in improving lives in tangible ways, from remote health deliveries to enhancing safety in hazardous jobs.
“Drones are transforming healthcare in Tanzania,” he noted.
“They are delivering medical supplies to remote areas, ensuring that essential medicines and vaccines reach those in need, no matter how far they are from major hospitals. The impact of this technology on public health cannot be overstated.”
The ability to deliver medical supplies quickly and efficiently could save lives, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare was limited.
Drones could provide critical support during medical emergencies, reducing response times and offering a lifeline to those in the most vulnerable situations.
Drones were also being used to monitor wildlife and fragile ecosystems, ensuring that endangered species were protected from poaching and environmental threats.
The use of drones for conservation efforts was helping safeguard Tanzania’s rich biodiversity, which was a key driver of the country’s tourism industry.
Perhaps most strikingly, drones were improving safety.
“Drones are increasingly being used to automate dangerous jobs,” Mr Malanga said. “From inspecting infrastructure to surveying hazardous sites, drones can do the work that would otherwise put humans at risk.”
By reducing the need for manual labor in dangerous environments, drones were not only saving lives but also reducing the costs of workplace injuries.
This was a crucial step toward creating safer and more efficient workplaces.
A future built on responsibility and innovation
The conference continued with a series of discussions, workshops, and presentations, all centered around the shared goal of integrating drones into Tanzania’s economic and social systems in a way that maximized their benefits.
It was clear that the road ahead would require constant innovation, but it would also require collaboration between government bodies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Mr Malanga’s opening remarks remained at the heart of the discussions throughout the day: “Safety, security, and compliance with global standards are not just regulatory requirements—they are the foundation upon which we will build a future where drone technology is a force for good.”
For the drone operators in the room, the message was clear: the technology they wielded was powerful, and with that power came responsibility.
By adhering to safety protocols, they were not just flying drones—they were building the future of Tanzania, one flight at a time.
As the conference drew to a close, there was a sense of optimism in the air.
Tanzania was on the cusp of something revolutionary. Drones were not just tools—they were agents of change, transforming industries, saving lives, and driving economic growth.
But with that promise came the challenge of ensuring that safety and security were never compromised.
…And as Mr Malanga had urged at the start, it was up to every operator, stakeholder, and enthusiast to ensure that they flew forward with purpose, responsibility, and respect for the technology that had the power to change the world.
As Mr Malanga’s words settled, the spotlight shifted to Mr. Ephraim Danford, CEO of Techno Environment Investment Co. Ltd., the organizers of yesterday’s conference, who took the stage.
“As the CEO of Techno Environment Investment, an authorized drone dealer, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of drone technology on our operations and services,” Mr Danford shared.
He continued addressing the audience: “Our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in this field is unwavering, and this conference is a testament to that commitment.”
