Transforming Haiti: How Drones Can Drive Development and Climate Resilience

The World Bank and PwC report envisions drones as transformative tools for Haiti’s development, offering innovative solutions across healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management. With proper regulation and investment, drones could help overcome the country’s systemic challenges and drive sustainable growth.

The World Bank Group, alongside the Global Infrastructure Facility, published a landmark report in collaboration with PwC Drone Powered Solutions and PwC Jamaica that explores the transformative role of drones in Haiti’s development. Titled “The Current State and Future Prospects of Drones for Development in Haiti,” the study offers a deep dive into how Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) could revolutionize the delivery of basic services and economic resilience in one of the world’s most fragile states. Based on field consultations, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s drone ecosystem, which is still in its infancy. It highlights actionable steps for scaling its impact.

A Fragile Landscape Poised for Technological Leap

Haiti continues to battle a complex web of challenges: poverty, political instability, underdeveloped infrastructure, and climate vulnerability. Nearly 59% of Haitians live below the poverty line, and the country ranks 163 out of 191 on the Human Development Index. In this context, the agility and adaptability of drones offer a unique opportunity to leap over infrastructural bottlenecks. With a GNI per capita of just $1,420, traditional development pathways remain out of reach for much of the country. However, drones can operate in rugged terrains, bypass damaged roads, and deliver critical services, presenting a viable solution for both urban and rural challenges.

The drone ecosystem in Haiti began to emerge more than 15 years ago. Initial applications, including MINUSTAH's use of drones for leaflet distribution in 2007, were followed by disaster response and humanitarian efforts led by organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Food Programme (WFP), CartONG, OpenStreetMap, and the Nature Conservancy. More recently, players like Matternet piloted healthcare deliveries via drones in earthquake-affected areas, while local initiatives such as Haiti Flying Labs and ADF Haiti have taken root to develop drone education and services.

Drone Applications: From Health to Environment

The World Bank-PwC report emphasizes that the potential of drones extends far beyond emergency aid. In healthcare, drones could become game-changers for last-mile delivery of vaccines, blood, and medicines, especially in remote regions where road infrastructure is poor or damaged. The case of Matternet’s delivery of medical supplies in Port-au-Prince following the 2010 earthquake illustrates the potential for improving timely healthcare access.

Agriculture, a sector employing nearly half the population and contributing over 20% to GDP, is another prime beneficiary. Drones can be used for precision farming, analyzing crop health, monitoring irrigation needs, and spraying pesticides efficiently. Examples from Costa Rica’s Indigo Drones platform show how such technology boosts yields while conserving resources. Meanwhile, drones can map property boundaries, helping Haitian farmers formalize land rights and access financial services.

Environmentally, Haiti’s deforestation crisis and biodiversity loss are critical concerns. Drone-based reforestation efforts, including seed dispersal and mangrove mapping, can aid in restoring ecosystems. The technology is already being used to assess hurricane damage in protected areas and track illegal activities like poaching and unregulated tree cutting. In addition, drones can help monitor air and water quality, offering a valuable tool for pollution control and climate adaptation strategies.

Infrastructure and Urban Innovation with Aerial Insight

Infrastructure monitoring, particularly for road networks and bridges, represents another high-impact area. With only a small fraction of Haiti’s 3,500 km road network in good condition, drones offer a cost-effective means of inspecting and planning repairs. The report details how drones can assist throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure, from design and construction supervision to post-disaster assessment and documentation.

Urban planning is also being transformed by drone technology. In informal settlements like Canaan and congested cities such as Cap-Haïtien, drones are being used to gather high-resolution imagery and mobility data. This supports zoning, infrastructure investment, and disaster preparedness. The American Red Cross’s drone mapping of Canaan, for instance, created a comprehensive 35 square kilometer dataset that improved community planning and resource allocation.

Connectivity and Education in the Sky

Internet access in Haiti remains limited, with only 41% of the population online by 2022. In disaster scenarios, connectivity is often severed, leaving affected communities even more vulnerable. Drone-based internet platforms, like AT&T’s “Flying COW” used in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, offer a compelling model for Haiti. These mobile cell towers can deliver emergency connectivity to support rescue operations, education, and digital inclusion.

Improved internet access via drones can also unlock educational and employment opportunities for rural populations, helping bridge the digital divide. In a country where 1 GB of data can cost up to 4% of per capita income, affordable and reliable internet could become a transformative tool for economic inclusion.

A Roadmap for Realizing Potential

Despite strong potential, Haiti’s drone ecosystem is held back by regulatory uncertainty. The National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) currently issues interim recommendations based on ICAO guidelines, but a formal legal framework is still absent. The report calls for performance-based regulation, taking inspiration from Rwanda, which successfully leveraged such an approach to establish a thriving drone delivery industry in healthcare.

Stakeholder coordination is key. Government ministries, civil aviation authorities, civil society, and private sector actors must collaborate to build an enabling environment. Haiti Flying Labs is spotlighted as a model for local capacity building and advocacy. Investment in training, funding for startups, and public awareness campaigns are also essential to accelerate growth.

Ultimately, the World Bank and PwC present drones not as a luxury but as a necessity for Haiti’s sustainable development. If supported with the right mix of regulation, education, and investment, drones could help the country not only recover from crises but leap forward, delivering social, economic, and environmental dividends in a nation long constrained by geography and inequality.