About The Expo

A Digital Embassy for Aerial Diplomacy

The Korea–Ghana Drone Expo is a three-day convergence of technology, policy, and ambition — uniting two nations under a shared vision of aerial innovation.

Mission

  • ▪Promote Korea–Africa technology and commercial collaboration
  • ▪Showcase drone systems for African development priorities
  • ▪Support responsible regulation and aviation safety
  • ▪Connect governments, investors, researchers and innovators

Vision

To establish Ghana as a leading gateway for safe, innovative and sustainable drone technology in Africa, while building a trusted Korea–Africa platform that transforms ideas into partnerships, investment, skills, jobs and solutions for development.

Impact

Driving economic growth, job creation, and technological sovereignty through cross-border collaboration in unmanned aerial systems.

Purpose

Turning Innovation Into Partnership

The purpose of the First Korea–Africa Drone Expo 2026 is to create a high-level platform where Korean technological expertise and Africa's development priorities can be transformed into practical partnerships, investment, skills and solutions. The Expo will promote the safe and responsible use of drone technology, strengthen Ghana's position as a gateway to Africa's emerging drone market, and connect innovation with real needs in agriculture, healthcare, logistics, mining, infrastructure, environmental protection, emergency response and public safety.

It will also support policy dialogue, aviation safety, professional training, research collaboration, youth participation and business development. By bringing decision-makers and innovators into one space, the Expo aims to move beyond discussion and stimulate long-term cooperation, technology transfer, enterprise growth, employment creation and sustainable development.

At A Glance

The 5Ws and an H

Who?

Government institutions, civil aviation authorities, drone manufacturers, technology companies, investors, researchers, universities, development partners, entrepreneurs, students, young innovators, media organisations and international delegations from Korea, Ghana and across Africa.

What?

A landmark international drone-technology exhibition and cooperation platform featuring policy dialogue, product showcases, live demonstrations, business meetings, research presentations, training, youth competitions, awards and cultural activities.

Where?

Accra, Ghana — the strategic gateway for launching a wider Korea–Africa partnership in drone innovation. The official venue will be announced through the Expo's approved communication channels.

When?

The Expo is planned for September 2026. The confirmed event dates and detailed programme will be published once officially approved.

Why?

To advance safe and responsible drone adoption, attract investment, build technical capacity, encourage technology transfer, create opportunities for young people and businesses, and apply drone solutions to Africa's social, economic and environmental priorities.

How?

Through collaboration among government, industry, academia and development partners; practical technology demonstrations; regulatory and policy engagement; business-to-business connections; investment discussions; education and training; and sustained Korea–Africa knowledge exchange.

Why Ghana

Africa's Gateway to Drone Innovation

Ghana is an ideal host for the inaugural Korea–Africa Drone Expo. Its political stability, strategic West African location, growing aviation ecosystem and commitment to innovation provide a strong foundation for international cooperation and responsible technology deployment.

As a gateway to West Africa, Ghana offers access to a dynamic regional market and an enabling environment for dialogue among government, industry, academia and development partners. The country's expanding experience with drone-enabled services also creates valuable opportunities to demonstrate solutions, strengthen technical capacity and develop models that can be adapted across Africa.

The Expo builds on Ghana–Korea engagement aimed at strengthening national drone capabilities, supporting sector planning and promoting cooperation in regulation, research, training, investment and commercial application.

Our History

From Diplomatic Ties to Aerial Partnership

Building on decades of Korea–Ghana diplomatic relations, the Drone Expo represents a new chapter — one defined by technology transfer, capacity building, and mutual economic advancement. The inaugural edition brings together over 40 exhibitors, 60 speakers, and 5,000 participants from 12 countries.

Organised by a joint committee of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Ghana Ministry of Communications, and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, with support from leading universities and industry associations.

Building Momentum

The Official Pre-Visit

Ahead of the Expo, Ghana welcomed a high-level delegation from the Republic of Korea for an official preparatory visit. The engagement marked an important step in strengthening cooperation in drone technology, aviation, research, skills development and investment, while advancing the technical and institutional preparations required for a successful international event.

During the visit, the delegation engaged the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority on technical and regulatory requirements for the planned drone demonstrations and light show, including preliminary site considerations. Discussions with the Ministry of Transport focused on strategic alignment, aviation-sector cooperation and the wider development value of drone technology. A further session with the Organising Committee consolidated operational planning, stakeholder responsibilities and preparations for the Expo.

The pre-visit created space for technical consultations, stakeholder dialogue and forward planning. It reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ghana and the Republic of Korea to delivering a safe, impactful Expo and building a lasting partnership that supports Africa's growing drone industry.

Welcome to Ghana

Pre-visit media gallery — photographs and video coming soon

Objectives

What We Set Out to Achieve

01

Showcase cutting-edge drone technology from Korea and Ghana

02

Facilitate B2B connections between manufacturers, investors, and end-users

03

Promote youth participation through training and career pathways

04

Strengthen bilateral cooperation in aviation and technology

05

Advance regulatory frameworks for commercial drone operations

06

Position Ghana as West Africa's drone technology hub

Organising Committee

The People Behind the Bridge

P

Prof. S. Lee

Head of UAS Research

KAIST

C

Cdr. A. Mensah

Director of Aviation Safety

Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

D

Dr. K. Park

Director General

KOTRA

H

Hon. E. Owusu

Minister of Communications

Republic of Ghana