Mapping the future with Africa's first drone academy

By Charles Pensulo, for CNN

Updated 1156 GMT (1956 HKT) February 7, 2020

In Africa, drones are being used to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/10/africa/blood-drones-rwanda-mpa/index.html" target="_blank">deliver life-saving supplies</a> and serve as <a href="https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/15/technology/aerobotics-farm-app-drones/index.html" target="_blank">eyes in the sky</a>. Moroccan startup ATLAN Space has developed smart drones that can identify and report environmental crimes like illegal fishing, poaching or mining.
Photos: How drones are transforming Africa
In Africa, drones are being used to deliver life-saving supplies and serve as eyes in the sky. Moroccan startup ATLAN Space has developed smart drones that can identify and report environmental crimes like illegal fishing, poaching or mining.
Hide Caption
1 of 19
Equipped with artificial intelligence, the drones operate autonomously, are able to identify illegal activity, and can transmit information to authorities in real-time.
Photos: How drones are transforming Africa
Equipped with artificial intelligence, the drones operate autonomously, are able to identify illegal activity, and can transmit information to authorities in real-time.
Hide Caption
2 of 19
ATLAN Space will implement a pilot project to combat illegal fishing in the Seychelles in October.
Photos: How drones are transforming Africa
ATLAN Space will implement a pilot project to combat illegal fishing in the Seychelles in October.
Hide Caption
3 of 19
The Seychelles currently uses light aircraft and vessels for surveillance and interception. ATLAN Space plans to help with the monitoring and work alongside the coast guard to curb illegal activity.
Photos: How drones are transforming Africa
The Seychelles currently uses light aircraft and vessels for surveillance and interception. ATLAN Space plans to help with the monitoring and work alongside the coast guard to curb illegal activity.
Hide Caption
4 of 19
ATLAN Space is one of many startups innovating with drone technology on the continent. In Rwanda, a Silicon Valley startup <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/10/africa/blood-drones-rwanda-mpa/index.html" target="_blank">Zipline</a> is delivering urgent medical supplies to rural areas.
Photos: How drones are transforming Africa
ATLAN Space is one of many startups innovating with drone technology on the continent. In Rwanda, a Silicon Valley startup Zipline is delivering urgent medical supplies to rural areas.
Hide Caption
5 of 19
Zipline drones deliver vaccines and blood for transfusions directly to hospitals and clinics in approximately 30 minutes.
Photos: How drones are transforming Africa
Zipline drones deliver vaccines and blood for transfusions directly to hospitals and clinics