Africa CDC and Zipline join forces to strengthen health systems and epidemic readiness across Africa, using drone-enabled logistics to reach every community.
Washington and Addis Ababa, 11 December 2025 — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Zipline International, Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding economic opportunities through drone-powered health logistics. This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward Africa’s goal of resilient, technology-driven, and equitable health systems where life-saving medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and essential supplies can reach people in the most remote areas.
The partnership aligns with Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda, which emphasize African-led solutions to strengthen institutions, boost local manufacturing, empower the health workforce, and harness innovation for continental health security. It also supports Africa CDC’s One Health approach and Digital Transformation Strategy, which aim to link and modernize public health systems across the continent.
Core guiding principles include:
- Member State Ownership and Leadership: All activities are led by African Union Member States with Africa CDC providing coordination and guidance.
- Equity and Access: The initiative prioritizes underserved, remote, and vulnerable populations.
- Sustainability and Sovereignty: The program strengthens domestic systems, integrates with existing health infrastructure, and promotes Africa’s health sovereignty by building local capacity.
- Transparency and Accountability: Open communication, shared reporting, and adherence to ethical, legal, and data protection standards are maintained by both parties.
- Innovation for Impact: Efforts focus on scalable, evidence-based innovations with measurable effects on epidemic control and service delivery.
Under the MoU, Africa CDC and Zipline will work together to help countries with capacity building, workforce development, operational research, innovation, epidemic preparedness, emergency response, and technology transfer. The partnership supports the integration of drone logistics as decided by national governments, strengthens data-driven surveillance and early-warning systems, and ensures coordinated action to maintain services in hard-to-reach and disaster-prone areas.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Director-General, described the partnership as more than just logistics innovation—it's a commitment to equity, access, and resilience. By leveraging advanced drone technology, the initiative aims to connect communities lacking access to essential health services, empower health workers with real-time data and supplies, and help Africa respond faster, smarter, and more effectively.
As part of the agreement, Africa CDC will collaborate with Member States, partners, and donors to mobilize political commitment, investment, and cooperation in digital and drone-enabled logistics. Zipline will bring its expertise in operations, warehousing, autonomous aircraft networks, and data-driven supply chain management to support integrating aerial delivery into Africa’s public health systems.
Caitlin Burton, Zipline Africa CEO, highlighted that this continent-wide move toward equitable and resilient health systems combines African leadership with Zipline’s technology to strengthen supply chains, support health workers, improve early-warning systems, and ensure reliable access to care for all communities. She framed the effort as health-equity-driven innovation for Africa’s future.
Since starting operations in Rwanda in 2016, Zipline has grown into the world’s largest autonomous delivery network, working with governments and health institutions to transform how essential goods are distributed. Its technology now supports last-mile health deliveries across several African nations, contributing to stronger supply chains, faster outbreak detection and response, and broader economic benefits.
The MoU also commits both organizations to ongoing knowledge exchange, advocacy, and technical dialogue, promoting innovation and collaboration through policy forums, joint research, and public communications that showcase Africa’s leadership in health technology and system resilience.
This partnership supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and advances Africa’s shared vision of a prosperous, healthy, and self-reliant continent driven by innovation, partnerships, and technology.
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It operates autonomously to help member states strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, coordinate emergency responses, and control diseases. Learn more at africa cdc dot org and follow on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
About Zipline
Zipline operates the world’s largest autonomous delivery network, with operations on four continents and service to thousands of hospitals and health facilities. It delivers essential goods, including medical supplies and vaccines, helping to save lives, reduce emissions, and stimulate economic opportunity. Zipline collaborates with governments and philanthropic organizations to improve health outcomes and supply chain performance. For more information, visit zipline dot com slash Africa.
Media contacts
Africa CDC: Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information, EdwinM at africacdc dot org
Zipline media: Olugbeminiyi Idowu, Talking Drum Communications (for Zipline), zipline at talkingdrumcomms dot com
