Global Air Drone Academy (GADA) have emerged overall winner of the 2020 African Drone Business Challenge at the African Drone Forum in Rwanda.
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.
According to Yasser El-Gammal, World Bank Country Manager in Rwanda, the host country for the African Drone Forum:
“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.”
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.
