Drone services company Africa Drone Kings has for the first time crossed the South African border, expanding into Zimbabwe, where the company will bring its advanced aerial intelligence, precision agriculture, and enterprise drone solutions to various industrial sectors in the country.
The company’s chief executive officer, Vice Phiri said the launch presented an opportunity to showcase the capabilities presented by drone technology in transforming industries and contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic and technological development.
“This event marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s unmanned aviation industry as Africa Drone Kings expands its footprint into Zimbabwe, bringing world-class drone technology for sectors such as agriculture, mining, security and surveillance, and emergency response,” Phiri said.
The Zimbabwe office will be run by general manager Nomagugu Lunga, supported by Munashe Hera (operations manager), Onias Mapuranga (finance manager) and head of training George Chingore.
The staff also includes Takudzwa Mujikijera (sales), Pepukai Mazwi (after sales) and Norman Kwenda (quality manager).
“Since our launch in South Africa, ADK Group has been at the forefront of the commercial drone revolution in Southern Africa,” the company says.
“We recognised early on that enterprises didn't just need hardware; they needed comprehensive, compliant, and integrated solutions.
“What started as an aerial photography outfit quickly pivoted to enterprise solutions as we saw the profound impact drones could have on agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
“Today, we collaborate with industry leaders and regulatory bodies to safely integrate RPAS into critical operational workflows. By pushing the boundaries of what's possible with custom software integrations like SKX, we ensure our clients aren't just flying—they're gathering actionable intelligence.”
Africa Drone Kings is an accredited reseller of DJI drones for industries that include agriculture, mining, security, surveillance and public safety.
But one of their best draw cards could be that they offer after-saes services too; so if a client is stuck with a product they cannot use for any reason, they can contact the helpful experts at Africa Drone Kings who will figure things out for them.
It was for this and other reasons that the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) chairperson welcomed ADK’s arrival on the Zimbabwean drone market, saying it was going to fill the need for technologies that assist farmers and agricultural institutions to improve yields, optimise input use, and strengthen resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions, an agriculture expert and leading agronomist has said.
Speaking at the launch, ARDA chairperson Ivan Craig said precision agriculture has become an important component of modern farming, and drone technology is increasingly becoming one of the tools that can help farmers achieve these objectives.
“It (ADK opening its Zimbabwe enterprise) represents investment, innovation, skills development, and the continued advancement of technology within our economy,” Craig said.
“Today, the world is changing rapidly. Whether in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, security or environmental management, technology is becoming an increasingly important driver of productivity and competitiveness.
“Nations and organisations that embrace innovation are positioning themselves to succeed in a highly dynamic global environment. Zimbabwe must be part of that transformation. As someone whose professional journey has been closely linked to agriculture and agricultural development, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by farmers and agricultural institutions.
“Climate variability, rising operational costs, labour shortages, and the need to improve productivity continue to place pressure on our sector.
“To overcome these challenges, we must embrace technologies that enable us to do more with less, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions based on accurate data. Drone technology offers that opportunity.”
Craig added that drones are no longer just aerial devices used for photography as they have evolved into powerful tools that support precision agriculture, crop monitoring, spraying and spreading operations, surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspection, security operations, environmental monitoring and disaster response.
“The value of these technologies lies not in the equipment itself, but in the solutions they provide.
“During the most recent agricultural season, Africa Drone Kings Zimbabwe successfully carried out drone spraying and spreading operations covering 5,958 hectares. This achievement demonstrates the growing role that precision aerial applications can play in supporting agricultural productivity, operational efficiency and sustainable farming practices.
“As chairperson of ARDA, I appreciate the importance of technologies that assist farmers and agricultural institutions to improve yields, optimise input use, and strengthen resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.
“Precision agriculture has become an important component of modern farming, and drone technology is increasingly becoming one of the tools that can help us achieve these objectives. Beyond agriculture, the opportunities are equally significant.”