Côte d’Ivoire and Zipline have agreed to expand their AI-powered health logistics network to 10 distribution centers, extending coverage to 12 million people through an 8-year public-private partnership. The initiative, endorsed by the Ministry of Health, will grow operations from the existing single hub in Daloa to national reach, backed by a $150 million grant from the U.S. Department of State. Upon completion, the network will supply 2,200+ health facilities with vaccines, blood products, and emergency medical supplies while delivering an estimated 300% return on investment.
The rollout supports Côte d’Ivoire’s Universal Health Coverage objectives under its Vision 2030 plan, particularly in rural and remote areas where road infrastructure often fails during the rainy season. Since its launch in Daloa in 2023, Zipline has already distributed 3.55 million medical products, including 2 million vaccine doses and 20,500 units of blood, with an estimated impact of 2,058 lives saved.
Health Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba described the expansion as critical for guaranteeing consistent access to essential supplies across the country. The system replaces conventional road-based deliveries with autonomous drones, real-time inventory management, and temperature-controlled storage. Health facilities can now place orders as needed, minimizing waste and preventing shortages. The Ministry will gain full visibility into demand patterns, allowing for quicker emergency responses.
This approach reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s strategy to develop self-sustaining health systems. The U.S. government will cover initial infrastructure costs, while the Ivorian government will manage ongoing operations. The collaboration also includes training programs in AI, robotics, and drone logistics for local workers, strengthening domestic capabilities in aviation and data systems.
Residents in underserved regions will benefit from faster access to critical medicines without dependence on seasonal road conditions. Rural clinics, often the final point of care, will no longer face interruptions when stock levels drop. The scalable design could serve as a model for other African nations struggling with similar healthcare delivery challenges.
Zipline operates the world’s largest autonomous delivery network, with over 2.5 million commercial flights and 150 million autonomous miles logged. The company now completes a delivery every 20 seconds worldwide, serving 5,000+ health facilities.
