Botswana has developed its first drone.

Backed by the government’s Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF), the Shepherd V1 is to be used to combat wildlife poaching and for security and surveillance, according to ITWeb. It can also be used for agriculture and farm management.

Thero Matenge, co-founder of Aeronautical Solutions, says Shepherd V1 has a 15 km radius when connected via its transmitter, but can fly longer distances when connected to a satellite. Aeronautical Solutions collaborated on the drone with the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub.

Matenge says the project involved localising some existing technology but the drone was also developed so it can be operated like an aircraft.

BIF co-ordinator Sithembile Dingake says the fund has seen ‘this project take flight to where it is now, and we’re committed to seeing it become a pioneer and sustainable player in the local aeronautical industry’.

11 April 2023
Image: Gallo/Getty Images