21/05/2026
From Bangwe to the World : the Story of Racheal Kaunda and Her Drones
Growing up in Bangwe Township in Blantyre, I did not see many examples of women working in science and technology. In fact, the lack of role models was one of the biggest challenges I faced early on. But everything changed when I went to the University of Malawi (Chancellor College) to study Earth Sciences. There, I was introduced to geospatial science the technology used to map and understand data about the earth. For my university project, I used this data to create a map model of areas prone to earthquakes in Karonga. I realized then how powerful digital data could be.
After graduating in 2019, I noticed a massive gap in Malawi's mining industry. Traditional methods used to survey mines and calculate resources took too much time, cost a lot of money, and could be physically dangerous. I wanted to fix this. I enrolled at the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) to get my certificate in drone and data technology. In 2021, I registered Drone Link to bring faster, safer, and cost-effective digital mapping solutions to mining, agriculture, and development sectors. In 2025 I was selected to receive leadership training in United States of America under the Mandela Washington Fellowship programme.
Today, Drone Link employs young professionals and runs an internship program aimed at equipping youth with skills in drone engineering and data analytics. Having grown up without mentors, I now dedicate much of my time to motivating and guiding young students. As a mentor at the Be That Girl Foundation, I also mentor students from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) who receive scholarship support, helping them build confidence, skills, and a vision for their future
How We Help Farmers Today:
While we started in mining, today my company focuses heavily on providing smart solutions for Agriculture. We work directly with farmers to give them accurate land information that helps them look after their crops.
Using our drone data, farmers can monitor their fields to spot pests and diseases early before they destroy the harvest. We also provide climate smart mapping, which helps farmers adapt to changing weather patterns. By giving them this vital information, we support farmers to reduce their losses, protect their hard work, and greatly improve their crop productivity.
The Challenges I Overcame:
Starting Drone Link as a 28 year old female entrepreneur came with real difficulties:
Entering a Male Dominated Field: Walking into traditional boardrooms and mining sites as a young woman trying to introduce complex tech was intimidating. I had to let my technical skills and accurate data speak for me until the industry took notice.
Building a Trusted Business: It takes a lot of effort to prove that a young tech company can manage high stakes industrial projects. We built that trust brick by brick, which eventually led to our selection for the UNDP funded Growth Accelerator grant to expand our operations.
Succeses: Reaching the Continental Stage
Once Drone Link began delivering successful geospatial solutions for mines in Balaka and Lilongwe, our impact began to spread. I was selected as one of the few entrepreneurs to represent Malawi at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Rwanda. Later, I joined high-level delegations with the African Union and our Ministry of Labour across countries like Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Angola. Being named a 2026 Woman of Substance in Science proved to me that digital innovations are truly borderless. It does not matter where you come from; what matters is the solution you offer.
My Advice to the Next Generation:
My advice to young girls and innovators everywhere is simple: Innovations require a mind, not a gender. Be bold and take the lead. Even when things do not go exactly the way you planned, stay adaptive to your situation. Use the internet to learn from the world, trust your skills, and build solutions that help your community.
Have you been inspired ? What have you learnt from her story ?
You can get in touch with Racheal through: [email protected] , for official purposes and for guidance if you are interested in this career paths
Drone Link
