How drones and AI are revolutionising disaster management: Insights from the Durban summit
The use of drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and geographic information systems (GIS) is redefining disaster risk management as governments and experts turn to technology for smarter, faster, and more resilient responses.
This was heard at the 4th Annual Southern African Drone, AI and GIS Conference held in Durban this week. Hosted by QP Drone Tech in partnership with South Africa Flying Labs, WeRobotics, and Esri, the event brought together government leaders, SADC dignitaries, G20 representatives, drone operators, GIS specialists, academics, and civil society to exchange insights on technological innovation in disaster preparedness.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa said the gathering marked “a turning point for the province”.
He emphasised the urgency of investing in modern tools to mitigate disaster impacts. There have been frequent flooding events in the province in recent years including the devastating April 2022 floods.
“KwaZulu-Natal has felt the devastating impact of disasters firsthand,” Hlabisa said. “Investing in technology is no longer optional; it is an urgent necessity. By learning from SADC communities and leveraging tools like drones, AI, and GIS, we can predict risks earlier, respond faster, and protect lives and livelihoods.”
Delegates from across the SADC region presented examples of how their countries are integrating emerging technologies into disaster management. These included rapid aerial mapping during floods and AI-driven predictive models for drought management systems that have improved early warning and emergency response capabilities.
EThekwini deputy mayor Zandile Myeni highlighted the importance of partnerships between government and technology providers to strengthen resilience.
“Through partnerships forged here, eThekwini will integrate cutting-edge solutions into its disaster management framework, building stronger, adaptive, and more resilient communities,” Myeni said.
Experts at the conference agreed that cross-border collaboration and capacity building remain central to ensuring these technologies deliver practical benefits. Discussions focused on equipping local disaster management teams with the skills and tools needed to translate innovation into action on the ground.
QP Drone Tech CEO Queen Ndlovu said preparedness must take priority over reaction. “While natural disasters are inevitable, their impact, however, does not have to be catastrophic,” she said. “Investing in technology for preparedness, not just for response, is key to saving lives and protecting livelihoods.”
The two-day summit concludes on Wednesday with live drone demonstrations at Moses Mabhida Stadium and hands-on GIS workshops, providing delegates with a real-time look at how technology is reshaping emergency response across the region.