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Inhlanyelo Hub alumna is pioneering Africa's future in drone technology

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Ratolajeso Sekano

Ratolajeso Sekano, one of the first Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Divas, is leading her company, Atosphere, to become a new and exciting force in Africa in terms of drone technology.

Upon completing the Drone Divas programme at Unisa subsidiary Inhlanyelo Hub, Sekano founded Atosphere with the mission of developing anti-drone systems and radar solutions, as well as projects to support safety and quality in the industry. She is driven by purpose, faith and a desire for empowerment. Sekano‘s journey reflects her commitment, resilience and innovation; she has navigated regulatory challenges and received transformative mentorship through the Inhlanyelo Hub programme, all while on a mission to develop and protect the African sky.

Sekano is the proud founder of Atosphere, a drone-tech consultancy. Atosphere is in the early stages of business development and specialises in airspace security, radars, consulting and the development of drone signal jammers and radars. The company also offers consultancy services to clients in need of assistance with drone compliance and integration.

Africa offers great potential in this emerging drone technology market, and Atosphere aims to be at the forefront. Sekano believes "Africa needs and wants top-of-the-line products developed by Africans," and Atosphere’s long-term goal is to develop a world where African aerospace solutions are designed, implemented, and led by Africans.

Sekano embodies the power of new ideas, hard work, purpose and faith. She mentions that her participation in the Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Divas Programme was a "game-changer" for Atosphere. She participated in the Business Model Canvas Bootcamp and has since been receiving mentoring support that has helped her transform complex technical ideas into compelling stories to attract investors. Although she has experienced some obstacles, such as aviation regulations and delayed funding, she remains committed.

Sekano explains that her clear purpose and faith give her the confidence she needs to make these developments happen. Her business efforts aim to keep the airspace safe from illegal drones and protect people’s private lives. With the potential to create jobs, she feels confident about continuing to grow Atosphere for the benefit of generations to come.

Since joining the first cohort of the Inhlanyelo Hub Drone Divas Programme in 2023, Sekano has received both her RPC (Remote Pilot Certificate) and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) certification, and she has established her MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development plan. Atosphere is now completing preparations for launching its MVP pilot. She also featured in the August 2025 edition of the World Air News magazine, where Atosphere was introduced as a solution for safeguarding airspace.

Sekano is also engaged in conversations regarding obtaining SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) compliance, establishing manufacturer relationships to support local production, and expanding Atosphere’s online presence.

As Atosphere gets ready to take off, Sekano aims to be an inspiration and gives other entrepreneurs advice: "Be fully present, be open to receiving feedback, build a great network, and don’t be afraid to dream big". She concludes by saying that being an entrepreneur is "spiritual, strategic, and extremely personal. Atosphere is proud to be a part of a movement that is transforming the future landscape and the African skies."

Click here for more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes.

* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub

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Publish date: 2025-11-24 00:00:00.0

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