In May, Afripoli joined the official Czech delegation to Zambia, led by Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka and organized by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic. As part of the mission, our colleague Deretha Bester — Afripoli’s Regional Manager & Project Lead Zambia — joined a series of high-level meetings and technical field visits across Lusaka and Central Province.
Her mission was clear: to explore how Czech satellite, drone and AI technologies can help with sustainable development, landscape management, and anti-poaching efforts.
Concrete opportunities. Real partnerships.
During the week-long visit, Deretha engaged with key stakeholders including Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, the President’s advisor on defence and national security Dr. Lawrence Mwananyanda, and senior experts from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).
Afripoli presented concrete proposals around satellite-based services, capacity building for Zambian engineers, and the launch of a joint pilot project using high-resolution data and AI to map water resources or track agricultural development.
At the NRSC’s ground receiving station, the team identified immediate opportunities — from access to better imagery and AI software to support in education and hardware — and agreed to explore a scalable cooperation model based on Czech expertise.
“Partnerships only work when they’re rooted in real priorities. In Zambia, I met people ready to collaborate, not just consult — and that’s where we can make a real difference,” said Deretha.
Technology with purpose
From policy dialogue at the Czech Embassy to on-site discussions at Zambia’s Air Force Logistics Command Center, Afripoli’s presence reflected a broader message: we are ready to be a relevant partner to Africa.
Whether in talks with the Ministry of Defence Industries, the EU Zambia Business Club or Zambia’s top scientific officials, Afripoli consistently underlined the value of field-based, partnership-led innovation.
We are not here to sell abstract visions. We are here to co-design solutions that work — in agriculture, energy, security or education.