SORA Technology, a Japan-based aerial solutions provider, is scaling up its presence across Africa with a bold new initiative to combat malaria using artificial intelligence (AI) and fixed-wing drones. Beginning August 25, the company will deploy fleets of drones to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites in 15 high-risk African countries, including Nigeria, as part of a larger mission to modernize disease control on the continent.
The drones will apply larvicides with pinpoint accuracy using AI-guided imaging, a method that SORA says reduces chemical use by up to 70% and lowers operational costs by around 50% compared to traditional spraying methods.
A Timely Solution for a Growing Crisis
Africa remains the global epicenter of malaria, accounting for more than 90% of worldwide cases and deaths. The disease places an enormous burden on the continent, costing African economies an estimated $12 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare spending.
With climate change expanding mosquito habitats and resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs on the rise, the urgency for innovative solutions is mounting. SORA’s drone-powered Larval Source Management (LSM) approach offers a more targeted and sustainable alternative to the conventional wide-area spraying campaigns.
“Our AI technology allows us to map and rank the most dangerous breeding areas before deploying any chemicals,” said Yosuke Kaneko, CEO of SORA Technology. “It’s efficient, environmentally responsible, and deeply collaborative with local communities.”
Scaling Up: From 6 to 15 Countries
SORA’s expansion brings its footprint in Africa from 6 to 15 countries, including:
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Ghana
- Benin Republic
- Niger Republic
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Senegal
- Malawi
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Mozambique
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Togo
Each country will receive approximately 100 drones, which will operate in collaboration with national health ministries, community leaders, and trained local teams. The goal is to create scalable, locally driven health interventions that are both high-tech and community-rooted.
How the Technology Works
SORA’s drones are equipped with high-resolution AI cameras that scan areas like swamps, farms, and riverbanks for signs of mosquito larvae. The data is then analyzed using two layers of AI:
- Imaging AI to detect and map breeding sites
- Deep learning models to rank them by risk level
Once identified, drones spray larvicides only in the high-risk zones, drastically reducing waste and environmental impact. This LSM technique has already shown promising results in pilot programs in Ghana and Sierra Leone, where SORA has worked closely with local health agencies to build trust and ensure proper integration.
Not Just Malaria: Broader Applications and a Bigger Vision
Although malaria control is a key priority, SORA is positioning itself as a multi-sector technology partner in Africa. The company’s drones are also capable of:
- Pesticide spraying
- Crop monitoring and irrigation
- Medical logistics
- Disease surveillance
This positions SORA in indirect competition—and collaboration—with Zipline Africa, the continent’s largest drone logistics operator. While Zipline focuses on long-range delivery of medical supplies from centralized hubs, SORA operates more broadly, integrating public health, agriculture, and logistics into its mission.
“We’re not competing with Zipline,” Kaneko emphasized. “We see ourselves as complementary. There’s a massive need for drone-enabled services in Africa, and we are addressing different layers of it.”
Funding, Manufacturing, and Long-Term Plans
Founded in 2018 (with groundwork beginning in 2015), SORA recently secured $4.8 million in seed funding in March 2025. Investors include Nissay Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, DRONE FUND, and Rheos Capital Partners. This funding will support the expansion of operations, improve the AI systems, and help recruit talent across Africa.
As part of its long-term strategy, SORA is also preparing to launch a malaria-specific drone product in August and plans to establish a drone assembly plant on the continent—a move that could localize manufacturing and reduce import costs.
By the end of 2025, SORA aims to reach over 100,000 people across its operational countries.
Bridging the Technology Gap in Public Health
SORA’s entrance into the African market reflects a growing interest among African governments in leveraging emerging technologies to solve public health challenges. But until recently, access to such technology remained limited.
“They’ve always shown interest in drone technology,” Kaneko noted. “But never had the means to implement it. That’s the gap we are helping to close.”
As malaria continues to pose a serious threat across the continent, SORA's AI-powered drone solution could signal a turning point—not just in disease prevention, but in how Africa harnesses technology for social good.