They did promise a Nigerian leg of their competition – and now the Global Air Drone and data Academy has delivered.

Following hot on the heels of the successful Zambian Drone Hackathon competition that ran between July and September this year, GADA has partnered with the United States Consulate in Nigeria and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to opening applications for the Nigerian Drone Business Competition.

The process is basically the same as how they did it in Zambia a few months ago: Applications are open for young Nigerian drone technology hopefuls aged between 16 and 30, who will be then be trimmed down to a final thirty applicants. The thirty will have an opportunity to learn from experienced drone professionals at GADA, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed drone services company based in Maryland, United States.

“The bootcamp will teach the budding entrepreneurs how to relate this emerging drone technology to real-world practical solutions, as well as the expertise for safely operating and flying a drone,” said GADA in a statement announcing the competition. “Participants will also learn the practical skills required to create, run and successfully market their start-ups in 2021 and beyond.

“At the end of the five-day virtual bootcamp, participants will have an opportunity to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges. The top three winners will receive professional grade drones and business coaching to support the launch of their new business.”

The workshop will run from the 18^th until the 22^nd of January next year.

“The United States Consulate General is pleased to support the Nigerian Drone Business Competition,” said Stephen Ibelli, the United States Consulate in Nigeria’s Public Affairs Officer. “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to supporting programs that provide youth with access to quality technological learning opportunities. This program advances the U.S. Mission’s goal of promoting STEM education in Nigeria as a driver of sustainable economic growth.”

In case, the above was too long for you; here is the long and short of it:

“The 2021 Nigerian Drone Business Competition, powered by the Global Air Drone Academy, seeks to nurture creativity and hone entrepreneurial skills amongst Nigeria-based early-stage technology youth entrepreneurs. During this 5-Day Virtual bootcamp, 30 qualified participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced drone professionals at the GADA. This workshop will teach budding entrepreneurs how to relate drone technology to real-world practical solutions, how to counter negative public perceptions, and the best ways to market their start-ups in the 21st century.”

Applicants have until midnight December 31, to pitch their initial ideas.