A computer scientist by training, she stands out for her expertise and innovation in the field of drones. She leverages her skills in this sector to address various needs in her country.

Marang Mbaakanyi (photo) is a Botswanan computer scientist and entrepreneur. She is also the founder and CEO of Drones for Africa, a company specializing in using drones to address various challenges across the African continent.

Founded in 2019, Drones for Africa positions itself as a one-stop shop for the sale of all types of drones. In 2023, the company began designing, building, and operating drones for various services, including medical supply delivery and data collection. They also provide last-mile agricultural services, train drone pilots, and offer repair and maintenance services.

The company also has a research and development center to contribute to the advancement of drone technology in Botswana. "We also have a Research and Development Centre where we keep looking for new approaches to investigate and develop the drone market. We want to be able to fabricate and put together drones locally," Marang Mbaakanyi stated in 2023.

Marang Mbaakanyi holds a bachelor's degree in computer systems engineering from the University of Sunderland, UK, obtained in 2014. She also earned a master's degree in computer science in 2021 from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology.

After her studies, Marang Mbaakanyi gained extensive experience working for several companies and institutions in Botswana. From 2015 to 2018, she served as IT manager at the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI). Concurrently, from 2016 to 2023, she was a research assistant at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology. Between 2021 and 2023, she also served as deputy general manager of the Drone Technology Centre, dedicated to developing innovative solutions in the field.

Melchior Koba