07/09/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
The African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) at MUST has challenged its latest graduates to put their newly acquired drone and data skills into practical use and contribute to solving development challenges across Africa.
The call was made during a graduation ceremony held in Blantyre last Friday.
During the event, 29 students received certificates in Remote Pilot Licence (RPL), and Drone and Data Technology (CDDT) programmes.
The ceremony was presided over by the Executive Dean of Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences (NSCES), Associate Professor Chikondi Chisenga, who encouraged the graduates to make use of the knowledge and skills they had gained during their training.
โYour training has given you knowledge and skills. It is now your responsibility to use these skills wisely and make a positive difference,โ he said.
On his part, ADDA Coordinator Emmanuel Chinkaka highlighted the Academyโs vision and its role in building Africaโs capacity in drone and data technology.
Chinkaka said ADDA has so far trained about 3,000 students across countries in Africa, contributing to the growing pool of skilled professionals who can use drone technology and data to address challenges in different sectors.
He said the continued growth of drone technology presents opportunities for young professionals to apply their skills in areas such as agriculture, environmental management, disaster risk management, mapping and other development sectors.
Representing the CDDT graduates, Dalitso Mwachande commended ADDA for providing practical training that has equipped him and fellow students with skills that would remain valuable throughout their careers.
Mwachande encouraged fellow graduates to use the knowledge gained responsibly and explore opportunities where drone and data technology can make a meaningful contribution.
Meanwhile, RPL class representative Tamara Chirwa encouraged fellow graduates to apply their skills in their respective organisations and use them to contribute to national development.
Chirwa said the training provided them with knowledge that could be applied beyond the classroom, particularly in organisations that are increasingly adopting drone technology.
The RPL is a three-week training programme that equips participants with skills in drone piloting, aviation safety, emergency procedures, airspace and flight regulations, aviation weather and radio communication.
The CDDT is a four-week programme designed to equip participants with practical skills in drone technology and data applications.
