Decentralised drone training and services could unlock jobs, strengthen aviation safety and accelerate inclusive national development.
Zimbabwe could unlock significant economic, technological and employment opportunities by encouraging the establishment of decentralised drone training, products and services centres across the country’s ten provincial capitals, using the Drone Solutions Training Institute (DSTI) as a potential model for developing a skilled, responsible and commercially sustainable drone industry.
The proposal comes amid growing applications of unmanned aircraft technology in agriculture, healthcare, logistics, infrastructure inspection, environmental management and emergency response. Taking these capabilities beyond Harare could improve access to specialised skills, stimulate provincial economies and support the Government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) 2026–2030.
Drone Solutions Zimbabwe provides a practical starting point for considering this opportunity. Through its Drone Solutions Training Institute, the company reports having trained more than 1,500 pilots. Its operational experience includes successful drone delivery trials involving Murewa, Chitungwiza, Plumtree and Marondera, demonstrating the potential of drone technology to address distance, accessibility and service delivery challenges.
The company’s training website identifies professional pathways including Remote Pilot Licences (RPL), Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) ratings, aeroplane ratings and remote maintenance technician training. These capabilities illustrate how drone education could extend beyond basic piloting into specialised technical and commercial competencies.
A Provincial Development Opportunity
One possible approach would be to establish provincial training centres modelled on DSTI, supported by associated product and service offices, through partnerships with universities, technical institutions, provincial authorities and interested public- and private-sector investors.
Such facilities could provide professional training, equipment access, maintenance, technical support and operational services. More importantly, they could create opportunities for young people, women, entrepreneurs and local communities to participate in an emerging technology economy.
The economic benefits could extend beyond direct employment. Communities surrounding training facilities could supply vegetables, tomatoes, small grains, poultry and other agricultural produce to feed learners and staff.
Local contractors and service providers could also participate in facility maintenance, logistics and operational support, creating additional income streams and retaining economic value within provincial economies in line with the Government’s devolution agenda.
Growth Must Be Matched by Safety and Regulation
However, expanding drone operations without strengthening regulatory compliance would introduce considerable risks. Unregistered aircraft, uncertified pilots and unauthorised operators could expose communities to accidents, property damage, privacy violations and interference with conventional aviation.
Uncontrolled flights near airports, critical infrastructure and restricted areas could also present national security concerns.
Zimbabwe already has a regulatory framework through the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations, SI 271 of 2018. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is responsible for aviation personnel licensing, training organisation certification and continued safety oversight.
Consequently, industry expansion must be supported by proper aircraft registration, appropriate pilot licensing, operator approvals, recognised training standards, maintenance procedures, insurance arrangements where applicable and effective safety management systems.
A Call for Government and Regulatory Partnership
The proposed decentralisation model aligns with NDS2 priorities covering technology and human capital development, job creation, food security, regional development through devolution and good governance.
Government and CAAZ could consider creating an enabling business environment for institutions seeking to establish a coordinated provincial drone development framework. This could be supported by clear certification requirements, transparent application processes and structured partnerships with institutions of higher learning and other public- and private-sector stakeholders.
A phased pilot programme could assess the feasibility of provincial training centres, establish measurable local employment and procurement targets, and evaluate safety, commercial sustainability and community benefits before wider replication.
The opportunity is to build an industry that is innovative, professionally regulated and economically inclusive, with established industry players with proven records of excellence driving its growth.
By Tatenda Mugabe
Marketing and Communications Professional
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organisation or its affiliates.