PIONEERING NEW FRONTIERS IN AFRICAN CARGO: THE ROLE OF THE AFRICAN DRONE FORUM

AFRICA is on the cusp of a major logistical evolution. Drones, once considered a niche technology, are emerging as a vital force in cargo operations— reshaping how goods are delivered across the continent.

For instance, Zipline drones have already delivered over five million Covid-19 vaccines and medical supplies across rural Ghana and Rwanda, cutting delivery times from hours to minutes. Whether it’s crucial medical supplies reaching remote clinics or high-value commercial items moving between urban hubs, drones are poised to enhance last-mile and middle-mile delivery in ways few could have predicted.

A catalyst for change

We at the African Drone Forum (ADF) share a common mission: to create a thriving ecosystem where drone operations can be conducted safely, sustainably, and inclusively. From the start, we recognised that Africa’s diverse logistical landscape—including hard-to-reach rural areas and regions where traditional transport faces delays—highlights the immense potential for drone solutions.

Consequently, last-mile delivery emerged as a natural focus for testing and validating drone use cases. In Malawi, drones have successfully delivered essential medicines and vaccines to remote clinics within 20 minutes—a journey that wo…