Zipline, the global leader in autonomous delivery, has announced a major expansion of its drone infrastructure across Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Government.
According to the firm, the new plan will be unveiled at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday and aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the country by using drones to reach remote and underserved areas.
A statement on Tuesday noted that the new plan, which would see Zipline expand its drone delivery service nationwide, was designed to tackle some of Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges, including maternal mortality, malnutrition, and malaria.
Working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Zipline said it aimed to create a resilient logistics network that provides reliable access to healthcare for millions of Nigerians living in rural and non-urban areas.
“Our goal is to ensure that life-saving supplies, such as blood, vaccines, and medicines, can reach every corner of the country,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Zipline, Keller Cliffton.
“By scaling our infrastructure across Nigeria, we can help build a stronger, more equitable healthcare system and lay the foundation for future economic growth.”
The firm stated that drones, which could deliver supplies within minutes, were a game-changer for healthcare in Nigeria, adding that with more than 260 types of health products available on demand, the system was designed to improve response times during emergencies and disasters.
It mentioned that the expanded network would also help strengthen the health system’s ability to manage routine services, ensuring that healthcare workers have the supplies they need when they need them.
The project is part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian government to modernise the country’s healthcare system.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration introduced a series of reforms aimed at improving public services, enhancing security, and creating a more business-friendly environment.
In October 2023, the government launched the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, a programme designed to transform the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
Zipline’s nationwide expansion is seen as a critical component of this effort.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “By scaling Zipline’s infrastructure across the country, we are not only modernising our healthcare system but also positioning Nigeria as a leader in technological innovation.
“This is a key step toward achieving our broader goals of reducing maternal mortality, addressing malnutrition, and combating infectious diseases.”
The firm also noted that the initiative had attracted global attention, with support from international organizations and investors. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation had committed to backing the expansion.
As Nigeria prepares to scale Zipline’s infrastructure across the nation, the government said it was also working to establish a sustainable financing framework to attract more investments.
It stated that this would help fund the deployment of the drone network and ensure its long-term success, noting that the focus was on developing local talent to manage the network, creating jobs, and fostering a culture of innovation that will drive the country’s economic growth.