Afrikonet Stategic Initiatives

AFRICA
OPPORTUNITIES
FOCUS
IoT Africa
TechHub in Situ
Widmark J. Valme

AFRIKONET
WHO WE ARE ??
A team of expert with 20+
years working in Africa in
all aspect of innovation
and development.

Power portfolio of projects
➢ Renewable Energy and rural electrification
• Remote deployment using alternative energy
• Enabling banks & Telecommunication entities
• Businesses for continuity and redundancy
Water Exploration
• Central African Republic
• Somalia Central African Republic
• Mali
Peace Keeping Theater Drone Deployment and
Management
• Camp security
• Convoy protection GIS
• GIS support road and water exploration
• Camp location surveys
• Land and building survey
• Maritime protection and early detection patrol
• Medical delivery capabilities
• Delivery of critical supplies
• Over long distance and difficult terrains

Connectivity and Information Technology Service
• Deployment of O3B services.
• Deployment of LTE, voice and data services
• Deployment of PMP connectivity
• Self sustaining communication Towers
• Businesses for continuity and redundancy.
• Deployment of Air to Water generators in remote
locations to provide safe drinking water: northern Mali,
CAR, Somalia etc.
Tethered Drone deployment and management
• Camp security
• Convoy protection GIS
• GIS support road and water exploration
• Camp location surveys
• Land and building survey
• Maritime protection and early detection patrol
• Medical delivery capabilities
• Delivery of critical supplies
• Monitoring of fuel pipe lines

IoT In a box
Drones for monitoring sectors in cities:
Security and surveillance are one of the biggest growth areas
in the ever-expanding UAV sector. While it's a relatively
recent addition to enterprise toolkits in many industries, the
use of drones to provide aerial assessments of activities on
the ground is actually a return to form for the technology,
which has seen some of its most ambitious development in
defense applications.
The reasons are clear. Aerial vehicles can cover vastly more
terrain than slower, clumsier ground-based surveillance
systems -- which is why they've been a key component of
military and law enforcement applications for decades. But
drones, which are smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than
manned-aircraft like helicopters, have very quickly
democratized access to aerial security and surveillance and
opened up the skies to companies of all sizes across sectors.
The current lineup of security drones reflects the variety of
use cases out there, from fixed-wing models that can cover
large areas quickly to nimble quadcopters that scan
confined perimeters and elaborate structures with a variety
of sensing and monitoring equipment. They were selected
to provide a practical, best-in-class list based on feedback
from users in relevant industries as well as a representative
cross-section of specializations in a fast-growing sector.

DRONE
APPLICATIONS IN AFRICA
OVERVIEW
They are used to monitor the movement of displaced
vulnerable populations, carrying out search and
rescue missions in disaster-risk zones, deliver
emergency medical cargo supplies to remote
communities, map and survey rural land, agriculture
and wildlife conservation.

Drones in Africa’s Health Sector
ZIPLINE
In October 2016, Zipline – a San Francisco-based robotics
company – was launched in Rwanda. Their drones delivered and
provided doctors with instant access to vaccines and blood
donations every day. Its rapid response time and ability to
deliver even the rarest blood types have helped Rwanda to
make massive strides in reducing maternal mortality rates.
Zipline has evolved into an on-demand drone delivery program
on a national scale. Also, in April this year, Zipline opened its
first distribution center in Ghana. The company has been
contracted by Government of Ghana to make 600 deliveries a
day – 150 each from its proposed four distribution centers – for
a period of four years at a cost of $12.5 million during that
period. The Zipline program has massively improved the
healthcare sector by delivering medical supplies to remote
areas

Ways through which drones can benefits Africa’s Agriculture
Drones and UAV’s can speed
up the land registration
process.
Just 10% of Africa’s rural land is
mapped and registered, leaving
insecure about land ownership and
affecting rural farmers more than
others. People involved in trades
besides farming would benefit
because they could use the land as a
backup plan if a period of economic
instability occurs instead of falling
into poverty.
Drones also provide farmers with
an aerial view of their crops,
allowing them to manage them
better and notice changes.
UAV’s with specialized sensors can alert
farmers to changes like normalized
difference vegetation index (NDVI), leaf
area index and photochemical
reflectance index. This allows farmers to
notice developments the human eye
would not. Using NDVI, a person
receives information about water
pressure, infestations, crop diseases and
nutrient problems that may affect crop
production. Around 7,000 African
farmers in Uganda have used these
drone techniques to better manage their
crops.
Drone technology is also
changing the schema of crop
insurance.
Crop insurance helps small farmers
recover when natural disasters destroy
their crops but poor reporting delays
payouts. The use of UAVs makes it
easier to quickly assess disaster damage
and compensate farmers that disasters
affect. Some larger reinsurers, such as
Munich Re, have partnered with UAV
service providers to improve response
times and reporting accuracy after
natural disasters strike. This use of
technology to better assess farm
damages keeps farmers from falling into
poverty and allows them to protect their
livelihood.
Drones and precision
agriculture provide data that
helps farmers take inventory
of their crops and estimate
crop yields faster.
Drone use also lets a farmer know
the location of livestock and helps to
monitor fencing. Additionally, if
farmers have detailed layouts of
their land, including size, crop health
and location, it will improve their
ability to get credit, which will
provide more economic advantages.

PROJECTS IN FIELD IN AFRICA
Support for Pope Francis visit to CAR Central African Republic
December 2015
Deployment of Balloon technology to monitor city
Deployment of Camera System at airport for security of runway
and prevent locals from walking on landing want while planes
are approaching or on final
Deployment of Camera systems to keep an eye on driver
crossing between CAR and Congo guarding against illicit
activities
Deployment of A drones to server a UN camp in the region
(Kagabandoro , bangassou, Berberati, Bria, Brouar…)
Deployment of DJI drones Devices capable of doing 1-5 KM
flight and sending back live image to an operation center
Main supply route s coverage to support patrols and Convoy
Military Observers Kit (23 MILOBS - were trained certified to
operate)

Orbiter 2 Mini UAS
The mature and combat-proven Orbiter Mini UAS
is part of Aeronautics Orbiter UAS family. This
compact and lightweight system is designed for
ease of use by the warfighters and security agents,
providing efficient operational solutions for tactical
military and security applications. The Orbiter 2
platform has proven top performance and high
reliability, providing lifesaving support in conflict
zones worldwide.
In the maritime configuration, Orbiter MUAS
provides maritime surveillance, reconnaissance
and target acquisition solution for small naval
vessels operating maritime security and naval
warfare missions.
The system and proprietary control software are
compliant with NATO STANAG such as 4586
and 4609.
Application
• ISTAR • Artillery fire management and BDA
• Target acquisition for precision guided weapons
• Force protection, in static and convoy support
• HLS: Border surveillance, emergency response
• Special-operations ISR
Maritime Applications
• Maritime and coastal surveillance
• Gun fire direction and BDA
• Target acquisition for precision guided weapons
• Ship self-defense
• Offshore facilities security

Orbiter 2 Mini UAS
Main Features
• Dual Payloads for day/night operation
• Camera-guided flight
• Rapid deployment, 7-minutes to launch
• Simple assembly, rapid turnaround
• Electrical propulsion
• Low silhouette, silent, covert operation
• Automatic takeoff and recovery
• Operational below cloud base, in harsh weather conditions
• Long endurance, extended operational range
• Pneumatic Catapult launch, airbag & parachute recovery
• Mission autonomy, accurate navigation, with or without GPS or
datalink
• Control and monitoring from moving vehicles
• Encrypted, digital datalink, frequency hopping
Transportability
• Vehicle integration
• Designated trailer
• Backpack kits
Maritime
• Ready to use kit used on any type of vessel
• No need for flight deck
• Net landing for maritime operation
Payloads
• Stabilized Dual EO/IR
• Continuous zoom
• EO camera with laser designation
• Photogrammetric mapping
Specifications
• Wingspan: 3.00 m
• MTOW: 10.300 kg
• Payload weight: 1.500 kg
• Max. speed: 70 kt
• Datalink: LOS, up to 100 km

SKYSTAR 100 - AEROSTAT SYSTEM
SKYSTAR 180
The Skystar 180 tactical aerostat system enables continuous
day and night ISR operations at 600 feet. It enables high quality
information gathering and accurate target allocation, utilizing
gyro stabilized payloads and GPS/INS navigation. The
downlink video and interactive digital map are displayed in realtime
at the system’s ground control station. The system is
highly mobile and rapidly deployed.
SKYSTAR 180 FEATURES
• Rapid transportation and deployment
• 360° stabilized observation coverage
• Day/Night/Laser gyro stabilized payload
• Interface with C4I systems
• Easy to operate
• The entire system is based on a towable trailer
• Low operation and maintenance costs
• Full digital recording of mission video and data
• Operational under harsh weather conditions, and strong winds
• Ideal for military, homeland and law enforcement security
operations

SKYSTAR 100 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Persistent Surveillance
Once airborne, the system
can stay at 600 feet up to
72 hours. It is then brought
down for a 30-minute
helium rill, and is ready to
return to the surveillance
altitude.
High-End Payloads
The system can carry any type of payload, up
to 5 kg. Typically, the Skystar 180 is fitted
with a unique 3-axis stabilized Day (color) /
Night (IR) payload with continuous zoom in
both channels and an optional laser
designator.
Rapid Deployment
The entire mooring system is
based on a towable trailer.
On location, deployment
takes only 30 minutes to
achieve full situational
coverage. No preliminary
terrain preparations are
required.
Accurate Location and Targeting
The high accuracy of the system is achieved by the
advanced avionic system installed onboard the
airborne package. It combines GPS/INS navigation
that pinpoints targets on the video display of the
ground control station. Target coordinates can be
used directly by the relevant task forces, in the eld,
or transmitted to additional forces via existing
networks..

SKYSTAR 100
Simple Operation and Maintenance
Only 3 personnel are needed to fully maintain the system. A
single operator is required for the routine ISR operation. Training
time is no more than 2 weeks, due to the easy maintenance and
user friendly operation and control modes.
Operationally Proven
The Skystar 180 is operational with homeland security and
military forces around the world. It has a proven record of
performing ecient ISR missions while demonstrating outstanding
reliability and cost electiveness

Orbiter 3 Small Tactical UAS
The mature and combat-proven Orbiter 3
Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System
(STUAS) is part of Aeronautics Orbiter
UPS family. Orbiter 3 is designed to
deliver top performance with the lightest
and most advanced covert platform
available today.
The Orbiter 3 platform has proven
robustness and high reliability, providing
lifesaving support in conflict zones
worldwide.
Operational for up to 7 hours,
over 100 km from its control
station carrying advanced,
multi-sensor payloads. Orbiter 3
is designed for ease-of-use at
the tactical operators.
The system and proprietary
control interface are compliant
with NATO STANAG such as
4586 and 4609.
Applications
• Land and maritime !STAR
• Artillery fire management and BDA
• Target acquisition for precision-guided weapons
• Protection of stationary and convoy forces
• Communications Intelligence (DOMINI)
• HLS missions: border surveillance, emergency response
Maritime Applications
• Maritime and coastal surveillance
• Gun fire direction and BDA
• Target acquisition for precision guided weapons
• Ship self-defense
• Offshore facilities security

Drone Solutions to African Maritime
Insecurity
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, as they
are known colloquially, provide a way for African
navies and coast guards to greatly enhance maritime
security in a relatively inexpensive manner, similar to
the ways mobile telephony revolutionized
communications on the continent. Similar to the
evolution of computing power outlined by Moore’s
law tactical UAS are rapidly growing in capabilities
while decreasing in cost. Improvements in sensors,
endurance, and payload are advancing quickly. For
any solution, acquisition cost, maintainability, and
infrastructure required are key factors to be
considered. The cost per flying hour of most UAS is
negligible compared to their manned counterparts.
Today’s fixed and rotary-wing systems, whether
specifically designed for military use or for
commercial applications, can be adapted for
surveillance in a maritime environment without much
additional cost. Because each country has unique
requirements and budgets no single UAS solution is
appropriate.
Maritime drones can be based ashore or on coastal patrol vessels. One
viable option for countries with limited resources involves services
contracted by Western Partners, a model which has already been
proven in the region for other applications. Alternatively, the Yaoundé
Code of Conduct provides a framework for a possible shared model.
This agreement can provide the timely sharing of critical information
ascertained by maritime surveillance and reconnaissance systems to
aid in the enforcement of the maritime laws and agreements in the
region. Contractor-operated drones could be allocated across countries
by leadership in the five Zones delineated by the Code. Multinational
cooperation on maritime security has already been tested in the annual
Oban game Express exercise and during real-world counterpiracy
operations. Understanding that not all countries have the investment
capability to purchase their own stand-alone systems, consideration
could be given to sharing the initial investment costs between
countries. The logistics of system placement and asset availability
would have to be determined by the participating countries themselves
but the benefit of such a program would positively impact the entire
region economically, enhance interoperability, and assist in regional
stability.

INNOVATION IN ENERGY: USING DRONES TO
INSPECT POWER LINES
ENERGY MANAGEMENT INAFRICA
Reliable energy is a widespread problem across sub-Saharan Africa. Many
factors contribute to the inconsistency of energy such as rogue vegetation
disrupting key distribution lines, instability in the grid, and component failure.
Currently, energy companies rely on manual means to discover and fix these
issues. Workers are sent on scouting missions and even ascend powerlines to
remove overgrowth or repair technical problems. Using such techniques pose
hazards to workers, slow down project timelines, and incur great costs.
Thankfully, technological advances have allowed for utilities companies to turn to
drones to inspect powerlines and pipelines.

INNOVATION IN ENERGY: USING DRONES TO
INSPECT POWER LINES
LEVERAGING DRONES FOR THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
Drones provide an effective way to inspect and manage powerlines that offers speed, efficiency, safety, and
sophisticated systems for data management.
State-of-the-art drone cameras provide thermal imagery that improves the accuracy of reports by offering an
internal thermal view of the powerline structure and its components. This provides great value in terms of quality of
data and allows for easy analysis of powerline issues.
Real-time images and other capabilities such as high powered zoom functions and 4K video can be transferred to
specialized software for even deeper analysis by qualified technicians. Ultimately, the data produced is both highly
accurate and reliable compared to traditional inspection methods.
THE BENEFITS OF POWERLINE INSPECTION DRONES
Drone technology speeds up necessary powerline inspections by identifying current and future problem areas which
allows utilities companies and local governments to employ efficient, targeted interventions.
Through automated methods, energy companies save up to 30-50% in both costs and time. And by virtue of a
drone’s aerial nature, inspections are carried out from a safe distance thereby eliminating the danger posed to
utilities workers.
When it comes to powerline inspections, drones present a faster, cheaper, and safer option to energy companies.

AFRICA
OPPORTUNITIES
FOCUS
SECTORS COVERED
BY OUR GROUPS

SECTORS WE ARE ACTIVE IN:
✓ Peace Keeping
✓ Law Enforcement
✓ Maritime Surveillance
✓ Convoy Protection
✓ IT Infrastructure O3B Technology (fiber
speed over satellite) GIS Support

THANK YOU