Building National Resilience: The Launch of Eswatini Flying Labs

By Eswatini Flying Labs

We’re excited to announce the launch of Eswatini Flying Labs, the latest addition to the global Flying Labs Network. Established under the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Eswatini Flying Labs is set to create lasting impact in the Southern Africa region. 

And this is fitting as the foundation for its creation was laid during the Southern African Drones, AI, and GIS for Disaster Risk Management Conference and Workshop Series, held from 19th to 22nd November 2024 in Cape Town. It was there that our team connected with members of the Flying Labs Network and WeRobotics, discovering a shared commitment to leveraging innovative technology to enhance disaster preparedness and response. Additionally, we identified the need for stronger partnerships among regional stakeholders to enhance the impact of technology-driven disaster resilience initiatives across Southern Africa.

Through close collaboration and knowledge sharing with the Flying Labs Network, as well as government agencies and humanitarian organizations, Eswatini Flying Labs will contribute to national resilience by strengthening data-driven decision-making and supporting the coordination of disaster response efforts through data collection, hazard mapping, and risk assessments. This aligns with Eswatini’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) and broader disaster risk management strategies.

Key coordination will be handled by the NDMA’s geospatial and early warning team:

1. Sibusiso Ginindza – Geospatial Operations Lead, NDMA
2. Siboniso Mavuso – Early Warning Coordinator, NDMA
3. Xolile Tsabedze – GIS Technician & Environmental/Water Resources Specialist

On a local scale, Eswatini Flying Labs will work directly with communities to build resilience through capacity development, training, and the application of innovative technology in disaster preparedness and response. By engaging municipalities, farmers, community leaders, and emergency responders, we will empower local stakeholders with the skills and tools needed to assess risks, improve decision-making, and implement proactive measures. This will ensure that our communities are better equipped to mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Eswatini Flying Labs brings a wealth of local expertise to the Flying Labs Network. Some of the projects our team has undertaken so far include: 

1. UAV-based risk assessment for disaster management planning for local towns (ongoing):

• Conducting high-resolution mapping for flood and fire risk analysis
• Supporting disaster preparedness through accurate geospatial data
• Expected impact: Improved urban planning and risk mitigation.

2. National hazard mapping and multi-risk profiling (2024–2025):

• Collaborating with local stakeholders to enhance Eswatini’s risk assessments
• Developing high-resolution hazard maps for better early warning systems
• Expected impact: Strengthened disaster response strategies.

3. Composite drought index launch (March 2025):

• Introducing a data-driven web portal for drought monitoring
• Providing real-time insights to policymakers and farmers
• Expected impact: Improved agricultural resilience and proactive interventions.

4. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap initiative (Ongoing):

• Enhancing national geospatial data through participatory mapping
• Supporting emergency navigation and resource allocation
• Expected impact: Strengthened disaster response logistics.

5. Pre-harvest crop monitoring: 

• Utilizing drones equipped with Near-Infrared (NIR) imaging to assess crop health and predict yields
• Expected impact: Enhanced food security through timely interventions and improved agricultural planning.

We look forward to the journey ahead and to a future where local innovation meets global collaboration to build a more resilient Eswatini.