Malawi Flying Labs Joins the Flying Labs Network

While drone technology has demonstrated significant value in several sectors in Malawi, many projects have largely operated in isolation, with limited opportunity for collaboration, resource sharing, or coordinated action. Recognizing the need to unify the local drone ecosystem, the Malawi Red Cross Society is pleased to join the Flying Labs Network as the host organization for Malawi Flying Labs to promote collaboration, maximize impact, and support the effective application of drone technology across humanitarian, climate, and development initiatives. 

Malawi Flying Labs aims to inspire innovation, strengthen local capacity, and encourage greater investment in the growth of Malawi’s drone ecosystem. At its helm is Wonderful Kunje, alongside Simon Tembo and Fungai Kanjodo, who all bring extensive experience in the use of emerging technologies for social good. 

Local Focus

At the local level, Malawi Flying Labs will:

• Build drone skills and capacity among operators, humanitarian actors, and youth.
• Conduct drone mapping, risk assessments, and data collection in local communities to support disaster preparedness and rapid response.
• Serve as a hub for collaboration among local drone stakeholders, creating opportunities to share resources, exchange best practices, and showcase innovations that can benefit communities throughout Malawi.
   

National Focus

Beyond local activities, Malawi Flying Labs aims to:

• Establish a coordinated drone ecosystem across Malawi that connects NGOs, government, private sector, universities and research institutions.
• Use drones and data-driven insights to inform policy, disaster management, climate monitoring, and multi-sector development initiatives.
• Develop a national platform for drone innovation to centralize data, facilitate knowledge exchange, and maximize impact across humanitarian, climate, and development sectors.

Starting Strong

The team brings valuable experience from previous drone-enabled humanitarian initiatives. In 2023, they supported search and rescue operations during Cyclone Freddy through the use of drones and data-driven mapping. During the same year, they also conducted rapid damage assessments that helped inform humanitarian response efforts and guide the allocation of critical resources.

It is this expertise that guides the team’s priorities for its first year in the Network. In 2026, the team plans to map Malawi’s drone stakeholders to better understand the ecosystem and create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth. They also aim to collect baseline data in flood-prone areas across the country to strengthen disaster preparedness efforts and support more risk-informed planning.

By bringing together stakeholders and strengthening local expertise, Malawi Flying Labs looks forward to contributing to a more connected and impactful drone ecosystem in Malawi.