G20: A platform to showcase local tech innovations

The Milkor 380, developed entirely in South Africa, represents a significant leap forward in unmanned systems technology

- Brian Sokutu

As South Africa is hosting the prestigious G20 leaders' summit, the country's defence and aerospace company, Milkor (Pty) Ltd, is set to showcase and leverage its latest innovation - the 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The gathering of the world's wealthiest economies - representing about 85% of global GDP - joined by the European Union and the African Union to discuss and address international economic issues, is expected to have significant spinoffs for SA.

With South Africa's G20 presidency aimed at advancing continental value capture by promoting beneficiation, value addition, job creation, and higher export revenues, the summit is set to respond to African development priorities.

In an interview with the Mail & Guardian on opportunities presented by the Summit, Milkor Communications Director Daniel du Plessis was upbeat about SA being “massively privileged to be hosting the G20 global political and business leaders descending in SA”.

“On a global platform like the G20, showcasing South Africa's latest technological innovations is a huge opportunity.

“There are not many countries and companies around the world that have the capabilities to manufacture drones of our scale and types of operations.”

Whether in dealing with civilian, security, defence or intelligence applications, the Milkor 380 UAV was “versatile enough to fit quite a large portfolio of operations - making it suitable to fit in with any of the countries that are coming to South Africa to engage in business discussions”.

As part of the buildup to the G20, the department of trade, industry and competition recently hosted an export symposium in Sandton, attended by diplomats and foreign procurement entities.

“This gave us an opportunity to showcase the 380 and our vehicle systems. This led to fruitful business-to-business and business-to-government discussions, which we hope to capitalise on in the future,” he said.