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US Funds Zipline Drone Expansion in Africa

Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy and Promoting American Innovation through a Partnership with the Zipline Drone Delivery Network

Two workers in yellow safety vests prepare a white fixed-wing drone with red accents at an outdoor launch station in a grassy field in Africa. The setup includes a tall metal mast with a control computer, monitor, battery pack, and a red safety light; a silver reflector nearby; and storage boxes on the ground.
Workers ready a Zipline medical delivery drone for launch at a distribution center in Africa, supporting the U.S. State Department’s $150 million partnership to expand access to blood and medicines across rural health facilities.

The Department of State announced an agreement to provide up to $150 million to Zipline International Inc. to expand access to life-saving medical supplies, including blood and medicines, to as many as 15,000 health facilities across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. The Department is supporting Zipline’s American-made advanced robotics to deliver medical products to people in rural areas who experience slow and unreliable logistics.

The Trump Administration, working with U.S. and African innovators and policymakers, is advancing technologies aimed at strengthening health outcomes and improving emergency responses to infectious disease outbreaks. The collaboration aims to support economic growth by creating jobs in the United States and across Africa, while contributing to efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Strengthening Global Health Partnerships

The initiative reflects a shift in diplomatic engagement that applies American expertise to support global health foreign policy goals and economic development through private-public sector collaboration. Through this partnership, the administration is utilizing artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous logistics to improve health outcomes.

Ensuring Sustainable Health Systems

The public-private sector strategy uses milestone-based payments and co-financing commitments with partner governments to support sustainability and encourage participation. The approach aims to reinforce resilient and durable health systems across Africa in alignment with the America First Global Health Strategy.

Supporting American Innovation

The Department of State remains focused on expanding markets for American companies by promoting innovation in technology, science, and medicine. The agreement positions American expertise as a preferred choice for infrastructure investment in Africa and is intended to counter alternative debt-financed infrastructure exports.

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