African countries are making use of drones to deliver emergency relief goods such as blood and medicine as roads and transportation facilities sometimes limit accessibility to remote communities. (image: Doosan Mobility Innovation)
SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s drone industry has taken a first step towards foreign markets by expanding its presence in the African drone market.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Tuesday it formed a joint civilian-government delegation with 10 local drone companies to participate in the African Drone Forum (ADF) held in Kigali, Rwanda, from February 5 to 7, generating US$34 million in export consultations.
The ADF participation came as the World Bank, which organized the event, invited South Korea to actively promote the drone industry.
African countries are making use of drones to deliver emergency relief goods such as blood and medicine as roads and transportation facilities sometimes limit accessibility to remote communities.
There is also active interest in land measurements, mapping and safety inspections using drones.
During the event, along with Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s welcome speech and minister-level officials asking for a special meeting with our delegation, the Rwandan government showed much interest in South Korean drones, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
At the ADF, South Korea operated a special government exhibition and 10 exhibition halls for Korean drone manufacturers, supporting consultations with buyers from 20 countries from Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
As a result, there was a record of $34 million in export consultations for 110 cases and a memorandum of understanding with local companies in Africa, and it is expected that more than $3.8 million in export contracts will be signed in the coming year.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
