Publication: The Current State and Future Prospects of Drones for Development in Guatemala
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2025-04-21
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2025-04-21
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This report aims to evaluate the current status of the drone ecosystem in Guatemala and considers ways to unlock the potential of drones by encouraging wider adoption. To this aim, following the methodology utilized by PwC, a mapping of the current ecosystem was conducted, along with an analysis of the regulatory framework, a calculation of the market potential, and finally, an evaluation of the initiatives necessary to ensure the expansion of the drone ecosystem over the next five years. The first part of the report analyses the current status of the drone ecosystem in the country, identifying the main stakeholders and key players present in Guatemala and the roles that they currently play in the sector. Additionally, this section explores the maturity of the sector in the country, focusing particularly on the components of the UAS ecosystem, including an evaluation of the current situation regarding the regulatory framework, identifying main bottlenecks, challenges, and opportunities for improvement that can unlock the industry’s potential in the country. The second part looks at UAVs' growth and market potential, specifically regarding use cases and the sectors that are most relevant and have the most potential for investment and industry development. The third section describes the non-commercial drone applications currently present in the country and assesses which has the most potential for successful development and growth. Here it is also showcased the relevance of drones in tackling social and environmental problems in the country. The last section provides an overview of key initiatives that need to be implemented by the government and the relevant regulators to ensure the development of the drone ecosystem and the broader adoption of UAVs across key sectors in Guatemala. Recommendations are made for activities and initiatives that aid the sector’s growth, increasing digitalization, raise drone awareness, and accelerate the formalization of the industry in Guatemala.
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“World Bank. 2025. The Current State and Future Prospects of Drones for Development in Guatemala. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/43101 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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