ZESA launches drone pilot training programme

STAFF WRITER

Power utility ZESA Holdings has officially launched its certified Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) under the ZESA National Training Centre, a milestone hailed as critical to Zimbabwe’s pursuit of a digital economy and skills transformation.

The certification ceremony, held during the official launch of the Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) on Thursday, highlighted ZESA’s expanding role in fostering innovation, digital skills development, and national capacity building.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, ZESA Holdings Executive Chairman Dr. Sydney Gata described the initiative as a strategic leap forward for the country.

“It is with great pride and a profound sense of purpose that I stand before you today to launch the ZESA National Training Centre Aviation Training Organisation (ATO),” Dr. Gata said.
“This event represents not only a remarkable achievement for our institution but also a decisive advancement in our shared journey towards a brighter and more innovative future.”

Dr. Gata emphasized that the certification is far more than symbolic—it is a foundation for creating skills aligned with Zimbabwe’s Digital Economy, a core pillar of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the country’s broader Vision 2030 agenda.

“The certification we unveil today is not merely a badge of honour. It stands as a cornerstone in our commitment to creating the skills necessary for a Digital Economy,” he said.

Citing international benchmarks, Dr. Gata pointed to China’s success in building a thriving low-altitude economy through widespread drone technology integration. He expressed optimism that Zimbabwe, through institutions such as the ZESA National Training Center, can replicate such progress.

“The potential is immense, and the path is clear,” he said.
“The ZESA National Training Centre has wholeheartedly embraced this philosophy. The training provided will be hands-on, equipping our students with skills necessary to address challenges in critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining, and beyond.”

The drone training programme is designed to equip participants with comprehensive skills in operating, maintaining, and deploying drone technologies across multiple sectors. The curriculum is both adaptive and industry-responsive, grounded in international best practices.

“As participants engage in hands-on training, they will learn not only the technical aspects of drone operation but also the practical applications of this technology in various facets of our economy,” Dr. Gata explained.

In addition to operational training, the programme includes essential modules on aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and airspace management, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in the legal and ethical frameworks governing drone use in Zimbabwe.

“We stand at the precipice of a new era, where the integration of technology and innovation into our educational programs will prepare our citizens for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market,” Dr. Gata said.
“Our success will be defined not just by the certification we celebrate today, but by the impact we will create in our communities and our nation.”

Speaking on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), Acting Director General George Mashababe welcomed the certification as a transformative step in Zimbabwe’s aviation and innovation sectors.

“This milestone achievement feeds into our endeavour as the regulatory authority to ensure that remotely piloted aircraft, commonly referred to as drones, are flown by trained pilots,” said Mashababe.

ZESA’s training centre becomes the fifth certified drone training organisation in Zimbabwe, underscoring the sector’s growth and the national commitment to aviation innovation.

“The proliferation of drone-approved training organisations is a significant step forward in the national commitment to embrace innovation and technological advancements in the aviation industry,” he added.

Mashababe stressed that drone training must go beyond piloting to encompass robust theoretical knowledge, particularly regarding regulated airspace.

“The integration of drones into an already occupied airspace requires comprehensive training that goes beyond just flying skills,” he said.
“Remote pilot training needs to equip students with adequate knowledge about airspace management, meteorology, human performance, flight planning, and other critical modules.”

He also reiterated that aviation safety remains non-negotiable.

“Safety is a major driver of aviation training policy and standards throughout the industry—and drones are no exception.”

The launch of ZESA’s ATO-certified drone training programme signals a significant pivot for the utility—from a traditional energy provider to a strategic player in human capital development. The initiative aims to bridge Zimbabwe’s digital skills gap, boost youth employability, and unlock productivity in both urban and rural areas.

By integrating drone technologies into key sectors—infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and mining—the programme is poised to support economic growth, enhance service delivery, and modernize national operations.

The official unveiling of the ZESA National Training Centre’s Aviation Training Organisation marks a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s journey toward technological advancement and inclusive development. Through collaborative efforts between ZESA, CAAZ, and government stakeholders, the country is laying the groundwork for a digitally skilled workforce ready to navigate and shape the future.

As Dr. Gata concluded:

“Together, we have the opportunity to build a skilled workforce that will drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for all Zimbabweans.”