How Zipline Uses Drones to Deliver Medicine Across Africa

American robotics firm Zipline is set to triple its life-saving drone delivery network throughout Africa following a US$150m commitment from the US State Department.

The US Government has pledged up to US$150m to support the expansion of Zipline International’s operations across the continent.

This move will increase access to medical supplies for health facilities and communities by improving the scale and reliability of autonomous delivery systems.

As developing nations look for solutions to improve healthcare access, Zipline’s growing presence speaks to the impressive forward momentum of autonomous transport technologies and the key role they can play in supply chains.

A partnership to scale healthcare access

Zipline, a firm headquartered in San Francisco, designs and operates one of the world’s leading autonomous delivery systems.

Its technologies currently operate across four continents and support more than 5,000 hospitals and health facilities by improving access to medicines, vaccines, and blood products.

The firm's partnership with the US Department of State is set to expand these services throughout Africa, building on proven results in healthcare delivery.

Once scaled, the initiative could triple Zipline’s reach to around 15,000 facilities and serve up to 130 million people who currently face delays in accessing essential medical support.

The collaboration will follow a pay-for-performance model, with the US State Department contributing up to US$150m to strengthen Zipline’s AI and robotics infrastructure.

African governments will contribute up to US$400m in utilisation fees as partners in the programme, ensuring both long-term funding and national ownership.

Funding will be released once governments demonstrate sustained commitment to the logistics service through long-term contracts.

“We started Zipline to build a logistics system that serves all people equally. Today the US government is doubling down on our work, and using our AI, robotics and autonomous logistics system to improve health outcomes,” says Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline.

“For years, presidents and prime ministers have told me they want the best of what America has to offer: innovation, jobs and 21st century technology to leapfrog into the future. That has always been America’s unique value proposition and today, the State Department is making that happen.”

Improving public health outcomes

Efficient and reliable logistics are critical in healthcare, where every delay can cost lives.

Zipline’s drone system is designed to eliminate distribution gaps, ensuring medicines, vaccines, and blood supplies arrive on time and in optimal condition.

By reducing the risk of spoiled medical products, the network enables healthcare workers to focus on patient outcomes rather than supply shortages.

Since 2016, Zipline has made 1.8 million autonomous deliveries with no safety incidents. Independent studies show:

• Tens of thousands of lives saved through on-demand emergency deliveries

• Up to 56% fewer maternal deaths in Zipline-supported health facilities

• 60% reductions in medicine and vaccine stockouts

• Increases of 13–37 percentage points in immunisation coverage

In regions where deliveries previously took up to 13 days, hospitals supported by Zipline now receive supplies in as little as 30 minutes — a time difference that can determine the outcome of critical care.

“African governments are choosing to invest their own resources in Zipline because it works, and it’s incredible value for money. It solves intractable global health challenges like maternal mortality, malnutrition, and under five mortality,” explains Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline’s Africa business.

“This award marks a pivotal moment in foreign aid – the US government is backing Africa’s vision, building the infrastructure Africa wants, and accelerating the adoption of American innovation that’s proven to work and recognised as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions ever studied," she adds.

"It will forever change the trajectory of human health and development in Africa.”

As Zipline establishes new delivery hubs, staffed locally, the investment will not only strengthen the health system but also support community resilience through job creation and increased healthcare reliability.

How tech can transform healthcare

Autonomous logistics, which currently reaches less than 1% of the global population, represents a breakthrough for global health access.

The US partnership allows Zipline to extend this technology to more communities, enabling faster, safer, and more equitable distribution of life-saving medicines.

"Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people," says Minister Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Government of Rwanda.

"We have witnessed the extraordinary impact of drone delivery – saving time, saving money, and saving lives."

“With this partnership, we will now expand to urban delivery, bringing these benefits to even more communities. We thank the US Government for supporting Zipline’s expansion and for joining us in building the foundation for Africa’s future in healthcare and innovation.”

For nearly a decade, Zipline has worked alongside African governments and global health organisations to strengthen clinical supply chains and expand access to care.

With renewed backing from the US, Zipline’s model continues to redefine what’s possible in medical logistics – helping to bring timely treatment and healthier futures to millions across Africa.