Two members of staff from the Department of Informatics and Information Technology (DIIT) at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Dr. Nicholaus Mwalukasa and Dr. Ayubu Churi, took part in a cutting-edge training program on advanced drone technologies, which was held from February 15 to 25, 2025, in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey. The program, aimed at enhancing the technical skills of professionals in the field of drone technology, was sponsored by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA)
The training, organized by the prestigious T3 Foundation, brought together 17 professionals from diverse countries, including Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Montenegro, Sri Lanka, and others. Among the participating institutions were renowned universities and technical institutions, such as Tatu University (Ghana), Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania), Karume Institute of Science and Technology (Tanzania), South Eastern University (Sri Lanka), University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Montenegro University, and the Maldives Polytechnic.
The intensive training program provided an in-depth look at the latest advancements in drone technology. It included:
- Fixed Wing Drone Construction at Tika Headquarters in Ankara
- Ordulu 5-Axis CNC Training at Odulu Electro Company, specializing in CMC technology
- Sapmaz Aviation Rotary Wing Drone Construction at Sapmaz Aviation
- T3 Foundation Card Training held at Disney Company in Ankara
Dr. Mwalukasa, reflecting on the significance of the training, emphasized how this experience not only enriched their skills but also fostered valuable international collaboration.
“This training program allowed us to not only refine our technical expertise in drone construction and programming but also build lasting networks with professionals from all over the world,” Dr. Mwalukasa shared.
For Dr. Churi, the practical application of drone technology in agriculture and related industries is a vital tool for enhancing productivity and innovation in Tanzania.
“We are eager to apply what we’ve learned to support the growth of agricultural technology and digital transformation in our region,” Dr. Churi remarked.
The advanced drone training sessions were meticulously designed to cover all critical aspects of drone construction and programming. Participants had the opportunity to learn hands-on from experts in the field, furthering their understanding of complex drone systems that could revolutionize industries such as agriculture, aviation, and environmental monitoring.
SUA, along with its international collaborators, continues to push the boundaries of research and technology, ensuring that its staff is at the forefront of innovations that could benefit various sectors in Tanzania and beyond.
As drone technology continues to evolve, the involvement of SUA experts in such high-level training positions them as key players in the region’s technological development, with the potential to significantly impact future industries across Africa and Asia.
