BY NATHAN GUMA
US drone technology expert, Bronwyn Morgan says Zimbabwean innovators must adopt AI-driven innovation as it will shape UAV missions in agriculture, disaster response, security, logistics and infrastructure inspection globally.
This comes at a time when some Zimbabwean companies are adopting AI and drone technology in agriculture among other sectors.
Speaking at a U.S. Exchange Alumni session in Harare, Morgan, a founder of XEO Air, Airversity and Air Echo outlined a shift from manual drone control toward AI-enabled autonomy across critical sectors.
Drawing similarities with her successful ventures in the US, Morgan says Zimbabwean companies should incorporate AI and innovation in their work.
Her companies provide Professional Drone Pilot Services, focusing on infrastructure inspection, disaster response, and climate monitoring using drone technology.
“I am embedding AI in all companies so that we can be current, but also effective at what we’re doing,” she said.
“The embedding of AI is what will allow us to achieve more productive and efficient autonomy.”
She said AI-driven mission management will reduce human workload while improving speed, accuracy, and operational decision-making in complex environments.
“And so as we look at drones operating independently of on site, but a human in the loop, this will empower everything from delivery right to your door.”
Morgan pointed to emerging drone delivery systems in Africa as early indicators of broader aviation transformation.
“There are a couple of companie on the continent who’ve been doing that work, and I applaud them,” she said.
Morgan said agriculture is already adopting UAVs, but wider industrial use will expand as AI integration deepens.
“Get ready to see drones flying overhead. It may not be tomorrow, but it’s coming,” she said.
“It’s not even getting there. It’s happening.”
She urged professionals to build skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven systems shaping the future of work.
“It may not be tomorrow, but it’s coming,” she said. “The other thing that I can say is if you haven’t really embraced learning about artificial intelligence and machine learning and large language models and neural networks, please dive in and start doing some research and some homework.”
Morgan said AI tools can support learning, planning, and innovation across industries if used responsibly.
“Don’t put any personal identifiable information in there, your banking information, your health information.”
Her remarks highlight a turning point where UAV innovation, powered by AI, is redefining aviation and industrial operations.
Zimbabwe’s ability to integrate these systems will influence competitiveness in agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management.
“Everything that we’re about to go into will be AI enabled, whether we want to or not,” she said. – IOW Data.
