A t 31, Bongiwe Nyawo 
is carving out a niche in South Africa’s growing agri-tech sector through her company, Nyawo Zendalo Air, which uses drone technology to support sustainable agriculture, forestry and environmental conservation.
Born and raised in Richards Bay, Nyawo’s entry into the drone industry came after she saw an opportunity shared on WhatsApp and decided to investigate further.
“I was introduced to drone technology when someone on my WhatsApp shared an advertisement for a course by B4IR.”
She enrolled in the Drone Divas programme run by Africa Beyond 4IR and sponsored by the Goethe-Institute. The programme introduced women to drone technology and provided practical experience in the field.
Her strong performance saw her selected as one of the top participants in the programme.
“When we finished the training, we received a surprise gift of a starter drone package. We had to decide on our own what we would do with it. I saw an opportunity to start a business that was more aligned with sustainability and food security.”
Nyawo launched Nyawo Zendalo Air in May 2024 after qualifying as a drone pilot. The company focuses on sustainable drone services for the agricultural, forestry and environmental conservation sectors.
To generate revenue while the business grows, it also offers security monitoring, photography and videography services.
Her entrepreneurial efforts have already attracted recognition and support. Nyawo has received funding from the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Office Youth Fund, which helped her acquire an additional drone and office equipment.
She was also named the winner of the Dragons’ Den 2025 Most Innovative Small Business Award, hosted by Absa and the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She has also been selected among the top 20 candidates in the Agri-Tech and Aqua-Tech Acceleration Programme led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which aims to strengthen innovation in sustainable agriculture.
Through the programme, Nyawo is developing a project that could further advance environmentally responsible farming practices.
“I am working on building my own drone that will be sustainable, using bio-fertiliser and pesticides in order to contribute to the sustainability of our environment and food security,” she said. “This drone is meant to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which focus not only on sustainability but also on reducing greenhouse gas emissions that harm the environment.”
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