By Tadala Makuluni,
CEO and co-founder of Nyasa Aerial Data Solutions
Youth Entrepreneur at LLDC3
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are often perceived as isolated and disadvantaged due to their geography, but they also hold immense untapped potential for innovation.
As the CEO and co-founder of Nyasa Aerial Data Solutions, I have witnessed how cutting-edge technology can break down geographic barriers and catalyze transformative change in Malawi. By leveraging drones and advanced data analytics, we are addressing critical environmental challenges and paving the way for a new era of development in LLDCs. This intersection of technology and environmental stewardship is where the future of LLDCs truly begins.
At Nyasa Aerial Data Solutions, our work revolves around harnessing the power of drones equipped with advanced sensors to monitor critical environmental metrics such as deforestation, land degradation, and flood risks. By integrating real-time data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we create detailed maps and predictive models that help communities and policymakers make informed decisions. Our work includes collaborating with local governments and NGOs to implement reforestation projects, disaster response strategies, and climate resilience programs, and training programs for local youth in drone technology and GIS.
The urgency of the climate crisis has never been more apparent, especially in Malawi, where environmental degradation poses severe threats to ecosystems and communities. In 2023, Cyclone Freddy starkly illustrated these vulnerabilities exacerbating ongoing issues of land degradation and forest loss, and leading to significant environmental and economic challenges. Total losses and damages were estimated to have exceeded $1 billion.
After Cyclone Freddy, we conducted aerial surveys that revealed thousands of hectares of forest loss, which increased soil erosion and reduced biodiversity. By employing GIS, we created detailed maps of the affected areas, guiding reforestation and land restoration efforts.
Our real-time data also aids in ongoing environmental monitoring, allowing for adaptive management strategies that mitigate future impacts and promote long-term sustainability. Imagine the transformative impact if such technology were scaled up across LLDCs, creating a robust defense mechanism against the escalating threats of climate change?
Educating young people in STEM fields is the critical enabler.
Despite these advancements, LLDCs face significant obstacles, particularly for the youth who are the driving force behind technological innovation. One of the most pressing challenges is inadequate access to education and training opportunities in STEM fields.
As the Nobel laureate and activist, Kailash Satyarthi, puts it, "The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present, and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people."
This sentiment resonates deeply with me as a young woman in entrepreneurship in an LLDC where I have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of young people to drive technological advancement and sustainable development with the right training and access to STEM education. Our team is a product of exceptional mentorship and training, including through the African Drone and Data Academy, the WFP Accelerator Program, the Halcyon Climate Fellowship. We are proof that, with the right support and training, young people can leverage cutting-edge technology to address pressing environmental issues in LLDCs like Malawi.
Expanding access to quality STEM education and creating pathways for hands-on training and mentorship are crucial steps in empowering the next generation of tech leaders. The future of LLDCs could be radically different with enhanced STEM education and mentorship for their youth.
Access to finance is the fuel for start-ups.
Access to finance is another significant hurdle, particularly pronounced in landlocked countries where economic isolation exacerbates funding challenges. Many technology startups and small businesses, especially those led by youth and women, struggle to secure the necessary funding to scale their operations. Geographic isolation often means fewer investors and financial institutions are willing to take risks in these markets.
As a young entrepreneur securing financing has been a formidable challenge. Locally, the regulatory frameworks can be cumbersome, and the financial infrastructure is often ill-equipped to support emerging tech startups. These challenges are compounded by a general hesitancy among investors to fund ventures where perceived risks and logistical constraints often overshadow potential returns.
Expanding financial services that cater specifically to the needs of tech startups and small enterprises in landlocked regions is vital for unlocking our full potential. Collaborating with local governments and international organizations has provided us with essential support, but securing these partnerships often involves lengthy negotiations and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
The path to overcoming these challenges is not one that LLDCs should navigate alone.
Governments, development partners, and the UN system must collaborate to create an enabling environment. This includes:
- Fostering supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and protect investments.
- Promoting public-private partnerships to leverage resources and expertise.
- Providing tailored financial products and capacity-building programs to empower startups and women entrepreneurs in LLDCs.
By working together, we can ensure that LLDCs are not left behind but are instead positioned as leaders in sustainable development. The journey is undoubtedly challenging, but with concerted effort and collaboration, the promise of a thriving, technologically empowered LLDC landscape is within reach. Let’s embrace the potential of technology to drive progress and build a more resilient, sustainable future for all.
Tadala Makuluni is a Malawian environmentalist and drone pilot, founder of Nyasa Aerial Data Solutions. With expertise in using drones for envirnomental management, she’s dedicated to integrating technology with traditional knowledge for climate resilience. Tadala also inspires youth and women to explore careers in tech and environmental management.
