Malaria remains a major barrier to Africa’s development, with nearly 600,000 deaths annually, mostly among children under five, and an estimated $16 billion in lost GDP each year, according to the World Economic Forum. But emerging technology is offering new hope.
Japanese startup SORA Technology is transforming malaria prevention in Africa with AI-powered drones that detect mosquito breeding sites and apply larvicides precisely—reducing the need for costly and inefficient mass spraying.
“Our system combines AI and drone data to target only high-risk areas,” says Yosuke Kaneko, SORA’s founder. “This allows us to drastically reduce the volume of insecticides used.”
Already in use in Ghana, the technology has led to:
- 70% reduction in insecticide use
- 40% savings in prevention costs
- 50% decrease in labor expenses
To scale operations, SORA raised $4.8 million in May 2025—mostly from Japanese investors—to expand into six more African countries and support local health ministries in integrating the system.
The approach also helps combat insecticide resistance, a growing concern with traditional methods. “By reducing chemical use, we extend their effectiveness and increase cost-efficiency,” Kaneko explains.
In an era of rising drug resistance and shrinking public health budgets, SORA’s model shows how AI, public health, and private investment can align to fight one of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
