The United States government has pledged $150 million to support Zipline, the world’s leading drone-delivery company, in expanding its healthcare logistics network across Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire. This marks one of the first major global health investments from the U.S. following years of reduced foreign assistance, the restructuring of USAID, and the introduction of the “America First” global health strategy.
U.S. officials have highlighted the partnership with Zipline as a model for the country’s new results-focused approach to international health support. Zipline, which launched its first operations in Rwanda in 2016, has become a global pioneer in drone-powered medical distribution—delivering blood supplies, vaccines, emergency medications, and other essential health products to remote and underserved communities.
The newly approved funding will significantly scale Zipline’s delivery capacity, allowing the company to reach millions more people each year and expand its network of distribution centers. Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa, explained that the technology largely solves long-standing issues in African health supply chains by ensuring that essential medicines arrive quickly, reliably, and on demand.
Unlike traditional forms of development aid, this initiative is structured through a pay-for-performance model, meaning participating African governments agree to ongoing logistics payments that could total up to $400 million over time. According to U.S. officials, this approach encourages long-term sustainability and reinforces the role of innovative private-sector partners.
Jeremy Lewin, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, described the partnership as an example of “the innovative, results-driven approach” that defines the modern U.S. foreign assistance agenda.
In an earlier interview with Business Insider Africa, Burton noted that previous U.S. aid programs often struggled to create real, lasting impact. She added that, with far less funding than traditional programs required, Zipline has managed to keep medical supplies moving efficiently and predictably throughout African health systems. She also observed that supply chains have become smoother and more responsive since funding shifts placed more emphasis on performance rather than bureaucracy.
For African nations, the Zipline expansion is an opportunity to improve health equity and strengthen access to life-saving care. Countries such as Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana are already preparing to widen the program beyond major cities and into rural communities where medical access remains limited.
However, experts point out that the model places greater long-term financial responsibility on African governments, meaning stable economies and reliable budget planning will be crucial for sustaining these services in the future.
