MUST, through its African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA), has successfully conducted its first-ever Basic Drone Training Course for postgraduate students.

The develooment marks an important milestone in the university's commitment to practical and industry-relevant education.

The one-week training, which commenced on June 8, 2026 and concludes today, attracted eight postgraduate students from different disciplines. 

The course was designed to equip participants with practical drone operation skills and provide hands-on experience with professional drone systems that are increasingly in demand across various sectors.

Beyond learning the fundamentals of drone technology, participants were introduced to modern methods of data collection, processing and analysis using drone platforms. 

The training combined classroom instruction with practical field exercises, enabling students to gain real-world experience in drone applications.

One of the participants, James Majamanda, a One Health PhD student at MUST, described the training as an eye-opener that exceeded his expectations.

"I have learned a lot more than I expected. I thought the course would only focus on the basics of drone operation but we have also learned how to collect and process data using drones. The training has been very informative and practical," said Majamanda.

The training highlights MUST's continued efforts to prepare graduates with cutting-edge technological skills that respond to emerging industry needs. 

By integrating drone technology into postgraduate training, the university is enhancing students' capacity to contribute to research, innovation and development initiatives both in Malawi and beyond.