Drones for Development

As an emerging industry catering to diverse needs across commercial, industrial, civil, and military fields, the low-altitude economy has the potential to transform industries such as logistics, transportation, tourism, health care, agriculture, and infrastructure.

China’s low-altitude economy is experiencing rapid expansion. According to the 2024 China Low-Altitude Economy Development Report released by the China Centre for Information Industry Development, the size of China’s low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan ($68.6 billion) in 2023, with a growth rate of 33.8 percent. Based on data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, it is projected that the low-altitude economy market will reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($207 billion) by the end of 2025 and could surpass 3.5 trillion yuan ($483 billion) by 2035.

In Africa, the low-altitude economy has the potential to significantly benefit the continent’s development. The increasing use of drones for agricultural monitoring, health care delivery, disaster relief, and other applications in remote areas is already proving valuable. It can improve connectivity across vast distances, enhance access to essential services in remote areas, boost economic development in rural regions, facilitate faster disaster response, and create new job opportunities, particularly in logistics and agriculture.

Spurring growth

Agriculture remains a key source of livelihood in Africa. With the continent’s population expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, there is a pressing need to enhance agricultural productivity. Rising input costs and unpredictable weather patterns necessitate the adoption of innovative farming practices that increase yields with lower inputs.

In this context, cooperation with China will be crucial. China has significantly optimised agricultural productivity through technological advancements, including the use of drones. As a leader in the low-altitude economy, China can support African countries by transferring advanced farming technologies to overcome environmental challenges, modernise farming practices such as crop spraying, irrigation, and livestock management, and facilitate market access for African agricultural products. These innovations offer high precision and efficiency, allowing African countries to significantly increase crop yields, improve food security, and become major exporters of agricultural goods on the global stage.

Although Africa is not yet a major player in the low-altitude economy in relation to transportation, the sector can transform how goods and people are transported in urban environments. With advancements in aircraft technology, battery innovations, and robust traffic management systems, the low-altitude economy is rapidly growing and has the potential to redefine transportation, especially in regions with limited infrastructure. This development is crucial for Africa as it enhances connectivity, fosters regional integration, and creates new economic opportunities.

As a new form of productive power, the low-altitude economy has been widely recognised as an engine of industrial development and economic growth. To fully leverage its potential, African countries must roll out industrial policies that support its growth. Given the transport sector’s intensive use of infrastructure, its development is vital for economic progress, particularly in a low-altitude economy where mobility is directly linked to economic opportunities.

China’s role

China’s investments in African aviation infrastructure have played a crucial role in unlocking the growth potential of Africa’s low-altitude economy, particularly within the general aviation sector. China has supported African countries to build, renovate, and modernise their aviation infrastructure, and train personnel as part of the investment. Between $27 billion and $38 billion is currently allocated for 77 airport-related projects in Africa, with China reportedly funding approximately one-third of these developments. 

China has also served as a major supplier of low-altitude vehicles, such as drones and light planes, as well as technical support for their operation and maintenance. One recent example is an agreement signed in December 2024 between Agogo Airtaxi, a Nigerian aviation company, and Aloong, a Chinese aircraft manufacturer based in Hubei Province. The deal involves 10 eight-seat planes, with plans to purchase 100 more over the next four years for purposes such as medical aid, emergency response, and short-distance logistics. Additionally, China and Africa’s expanding cooperation in the space sector is providing crucial data for the development of the low-altitude economy. 

Tourism is another sector that stands to benefit from cooperation on the low-altitude economy. Low-altitude tourism, an emerging trend, caters to growing consumer demand for unique and high-quality travel experiences. Despite Africa’s significant tourism potential, its developmental impact has been relatively limited. However, China can support African countries in leveraging low-altitude tourism by introducing aerial experiences such as scenic flights over national parks, historical sites, and remote landscapes. These experiences would provide novel perspectives on wildlife migrations, ancient ruins, and mountain trails, attracting new tourist groups and generating additional revenue for local communities.

Low-altitude tourism can also improve transportation between islands in nations such as Seychelles and Zanzibar, facilitating seamless travel between destinations. This sector has the potential to enhance Africa’s tourism revenue, create new job opportunities, and boost the overall economy. However, to maximise these benefits, careful planning, legislation, and sustainable development strategies are essential.

In conclusion, the low-altitude economy presents a huge opportunity for China-Africa cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and tourism. By leveraging China’s expertise and investment in these fields, African countries can accelerate their economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance their global competitiveness. To fully capitalise on these opportunities, African nations must implement policies that foster innovation, investment, and sustainable development within the low-altitude economy.

The author is Executive Director of Centre for Nigeria Studies, Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University.