Zipline, a U.S.-based drone logistics company, is working to strengthen its presence in Nigeria by expanding its operations to five additional states by the end of 2025. After entering the Nigerian market in 2022, the company has already established drone hubs, known as nests, in Bayelsa, Kaduna, and Cross River.
Zipline’s expansion strategy focuses on improving healthcare delivery by increasing the number of nests to seven, which will enable faster and more efficient distribution of essential medical supplies to remote areas. This effort is supported by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with Nigeria’s National Blood Services Commission in November 2024, which will allow Zipline to create a national blood supply network by the end of 2025.
Zipline’s drone technology is designed to overcome logistical challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, where poor infrastructure and delayed supply chains often prevent timely access to medical products. Its drones can complete deliveries in as little as 30 minutes, significantly reducing the time required to reach underserved communities. Each nest can handle up to 300 drone flights per day, covering a 38,000 km² area and ensuring a steady supply of vaccines, medications, and other critical healthcare products. Beyond healthcare, Zipline is exploring opportunities to expand into agricultural supply chains and e-commerce logistics, aiming to provide broader economic benefits across Nigeria.
“The federal government is partnering with us in working with the different states because each different state has its healthcare system. We’re working together to start deploying nests and have some drone technologies to deliver these medical supplies,” said Akin Oyediran, Zipline Nigeria’s country manager and partnership lead.