The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a cooperation agreement with Aerosense Inc., a leading Japanese drone manufacturer, to advance the use of drone technology in addressing Africa’s infrastructure and development challenges.
The agreement was sealed during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan. It was signed by Mr. Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, and Mr. Kohtaro Sabe, President and CEO of Aerosense Inc.
The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and coordinated action between the two institutions. It will focus on co-financing opportunities and the promotion of sustainable infrastructure solutions across the continent.
Aerosense’s drone solution was selected in June 2025 through a competitive call for proposals under the Bank’s Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA).
Under the agreement, the AfDB will work with governments to facilitate project coordination, raise awareness, build local technical capacity, and explore debt or equity financing options to support drone-related initiatives.
For its part, Aerosense will conduct market demand studies, carry out technical feasibility assessments based on Africa’s diverse geographical conditions, and identify deployment opportunities where drone solutions can have maximum impact.
“The 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 explore drone applications in disaster response, flood control, agriculture, and medical supply delivery,” said Quaynor.
Mr. Sabe added: “It is a great honor to serve the people of Africa with our Japanese technology to enhance their quality of life. We look forward to working with AfDB to build a better future together.”
