Japanese tech firm SORA Technology is set to launch AI-powered drones across Nigeria and 14 other African countries, marking a new chapter in Africa’s fight against malaria.
SORA will start rolling out its drones from August 25, to tackle mosquito breeding grounds in high-risk areas. The drones will use cameras powered by artificial intelligence to scan swamps, farms, and riverbanks, spot mosquito habitats, and spray larvicides with precision. The company says this approach could cut chemical use by 70% and halve the costs of fighting malaria on the ground.
Africa still faces the worst impact of malaria, accounting for more than 90% of global cases and deaths. Malaria costs African economies about $12 billion every year, with climate change and increasing resistance to older drugs making the problem even tougher. SORA’s promises more targeted action compared to broad chemical spraying, thanks to what is called Larval Source Management (LSM).
SORA’s African footprint will grow from 6 to 15 countries. Other countries on the list include Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, DR Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Togo. Each country will be allocated roughly 100 drones.
This project brings SORA into direct competition with Zipline Africa, best known for fast delivery of medical supplies by drone in countries like Rwanda and Ghana. SORA’s CEO, Yosuke Kaneko, says the companies have different priorities. “Zipline focuses on emergency deliveries, while SORA’s drones help with mosquito spraying, disease surveillance, and even support for agriculture and logistics,” Kaneko said.
SORA’s system uses “imaging AI” to map mosquito breeding sites and “deep learning” to judge which locations are most dangerous. Drones spray larvicides only where the risk is highest, a method already in use in Ghana and Sierra Leone. SORA says this can lower insecticide use by up to 70% and reduce operational costs by about half. The company works side by side with local health ministries, leaders, and residents to make sure the program fits community needs.
Founded in 2018, SORA recently raised $4.8 million in seed funding to expand operations, improve prediction tools, and hire talent. It is also preparing to release a new malaria-focused drone in August and is planning to build a drone assembly plant in Africa.
By the end of 2025, SORA hopes its technology will help reach at least 100,000 people in Africa. “African governments have always shown interest in drone technology, just lacked the means. That’s the gap we are helping to close,” Kaneko said. Stepping into Nigeria and beyond, SORA signals a fresh push in Africa’s $100 million drone spraying industry.
