Across Africa, the intersection of climate change, natural resources, and technology is shaping a new generation of innovators—those building solutions that protect the environment while strengthening economic growth. Among them is Walter, an entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of Congo whose work is redefining how technology can be applied to some of the continent’s most climate-sensitive sectors.

Walter was one of the top five winners of the MineTech Program, an initiative implemented by BongoHive on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR). The program was designed to identify and support innovators developing technology-driven solutions for the mining sector—solutions that respond to environmental, safety, and operational challenges while aligning with sustainable development goals.

Building Technology for Climate-Sensitive Industries

Walter is the founder of SYNCHROS, a company specializing in spatial and climate technologies that deliver intelligent, data-driven solutions to environmental challenges. SYNCHROS serves sectors that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, including mining, energy, agriculture, industry, and environmental management, supporting both public and private stakeholders across multiple countries.

At the core of SYNCHROS’ approach is the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as aerial imagery, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, data technologies, digital transformation tools, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. By combining these technologies, the company enables governments and businesses to make safer, faster, and more cost-effective decisions—decisions that balance economic activity with environmental responsibility.

Transforming Mining Through Intelligence and Prediction

In the mining sector, Walter’s impact is most visible through mine.syns, a next-generation intelligent platform designed for the exploration, management, and security of mining sites. The platform uses deep learning and machine learning, together with satellite and drone imagery, IoT sensors, and digital twins, to provide real-time insights into mining operations.

Mine.syns allows operators to monitor quarry evolution, optimize production, and anticipate natural and operational risks before they escalate. This predictive capability is particularly critical in African mining contexts, where environmental risks, safety concerns, and climate variability can have far-reaching consequences for communities, ecosystems, and national economies.

By shifting mining operations from reactive to predictive, Walter’s work is helping to promote safer mining practices, improved environmental monitoring, and more sustainable resource management.

From the DRC to the Continent

Walter’s recognition as a top performer in the MineTech Program underscores the growing influence of Congolese and African innovators in shaping the future of climate-smart technology. Through the support of BongoHive, UNDP, and NISIR, his work has been refined, validated, and positioned for broader regional impact.

Today, SYNCHROS stands as an example of how African-led innovation can address complex challenges at the intersection of climate, technology, and development. Walter’s journey reflects a larger movement across the continent—one where local expertise, advanced technology, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship come together to build solutions that are not only innovative, but transformative.

As Africa continues to navigate climate risks and development priorities, innovators like Walter are proving that the future of sustainable mining and environmental intelligence can be built from within the continent itself.