This year, South Africa’s drone industry is expected to contribute ZAR2 billion to the country’s economy, while creating more than 30 000 jobs.
At the recent Drone Con gathering – a conference geared for drone professionals – economic advisor to the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa Roelof Botha delivered his economic impact assessment, including how the country’s domestic drone sector – roughly 55 000 units – is expanding exponentially, compared to 2015. In fact, it is estimated that this year, the bulk of turnover will come from the informal drone industry (ZAR1.752 billion), while the formal sector is expected to bring in ZAR300 million.
According to a Gadget report, the methods used to determine Botha’s findings include distributing sample surveys among members of the Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Association of Southern Africa, calculating the results, determining the average multiplier effects on the sector, and then comparing the results against South African/EU and South Africa/US GDP ratios.
