Zipline Plans Major Nigeria Expansion With 12 New Drone Distribution Centres

Zipline  is preparing for a significant expansion of its healthcare logistics network in Nigeria, with plans to establish 12 additional distribution centres nationwide by 2028. This would grow the company’s footprint from its current three operational hubs to a total of 15 facilities, broadening access to essential medical supplies for millions of people across the country.

Since launching operations in Nigeria in 2022, the drone logistics company has supported more than 1,300 healthcare facilities in Kaduna, Cross River, and Bayelsa states. Through the proposed expansion, Zipline aims to scale its services to approximately 20,000 health facilities and extend coverage to nearly 100 million Nigerians.

The expansion reflects a transition from isolated state-focused pilot programmes to the development of a nationwide healthcare logistics system. Zipline is increasingly positioning itself as a technology-driven logistics company, leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous drones, automated fulfilment systems, and real-time inventory tracking to strengthen medical deliveries in underserved and remote communities.

Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to struggle with supply chain inefficiencies, especially in rural regions where shortages of vaccines, blood products, malaria treatments, anti-venom, and maternal care supplies remain widespread. Zipline’s model is designed to bridge these gaps by centralising inventory and enabling fast, on-demand deliveries directly to healthcare providers.

According to the company, its operations have already improved healthcare outcomes in the states where it currently operates, including reducing vaccine stockouts and supporting quicker emergency response times. Zipline also notes that its delivery network has helped improve access to life-saving medical commodities in hard-to-reach communities.

Sustainability also plays a role in the company’s expansion strategy. Zipline says its facilities in Kaduna and Cross River rely largely on solar-powered energy systems with backup support, helping reduce dependence on Nigeria’s unreliable power grid while lowering diesel usage.

The company’s growth plans are being pursued in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and several international organisations focused on advancing healthcare innovation in Africa. In addition to healthcare, Zipline is exploring opportunities to apply its logistics infrastructure to industries such as agriculture, veterinary services, e-commerce, and broader supply chain operations.

Although drone operations in Nigeria still face regulatory and airspace approval challenges, Zipline says it is continuing to work closely with aviation regulators and government agencies to ensure compliance as it expands its autonomous delivery services nationwide.