Zipline partners with the US State Department to scale autonomous medical delivery across Africa

Zipline, the U.S.-based robotics company operating the world’s largest autonomous delivery network, has signed a landmark agreement with the U.S. Department of State to significantly expand its drone-powered medical logistics services across Africa

The initiative aims to triple the number of hospitals and health facilities served, from 5,000 to 15,000, ultimately giving as many as 130 million people rapid access to blood, medicines, and other essential supplies.

The partnership is structured under a first-of-its-kind pay-for-performance model, through which Zipline may receive up to US$150mn to scale its AI-driven, robotics-enabled delivery infrastructure. African governments using the service will pay up to US$400mn in performance-based fees, with funds released only upon signing expansion agreements that guarantee long-term service commitments.

Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and co-founder of Zipline, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stated, "We started Zipline to build a logistics system that serves all people equally…today, the U.S. government is doubling down on our work." Jeremy Lewin, Under Secretary of State, added: "This partnership is an example of the innovative, results-driven partnership at the core of the America First foreign assistance agenda."

Zipline’s system, designed and manufactured in the U.S., has completed 1.8 million autonomous deliveries since 2016 with zero safety incidents. Independent evaluations highlight substantial improvements in health outcomes, including reduced maternal mortality, fewer stockouts, and increased immunization coverage. In many regions, Zipline has cut delivery times from 13 days to under 30 minutes.

African governments have funded Zipline’s services for years, and this expansion amplifies their existing investments. The agreement also marks a new chapter in commercial diplomacy, integrating U.S. technology into global health infrastructure. Rwanda is expected to be the first country to formalise its participation.

The model ensures that U.S. financing will be deployed only after countries commit to expansion targets. Each new Zipline hub will serve as a permanent logistics centre staffed entirely by local employees, supporting skilled job creation and economic development.

Rwanda’s minister Paula Ingabire affirmed the impact of past collaborations, stated, "We have witnessed the extraordinary impact of drone delivery saving time, saving money, and saving lives." Nigeria’s health minister, Muhammad Ali Pate, echoed the sentiment, noting Zipline’s potential to support a "healthier, more equitable future," while Côte d'Ivoire’s health minister Pierre Dimba emphasised the service’s alignment with national goals for rapid, equitable access to essential health products.

As autonomous logistics currently reaches less than 1% of the global population, Zipline and its partners view this initiative as a pivotal step toward closing that gap. The State Department hopes the model, paying for measurable results and fostering sustainable national ownership, can be replicated by other donors and development organisations worldwide.

Digital booking access to Jambojet's East African routes marks a major step in modernising regional air cargo

Freightos, the global leader in digital freight booking and payments, has expanded its reach in East Africa through a new partnership with Jambojet Cargo, Kenya's leading regional airline cargo operator

Jambojet Cargo is now live on the WebCargo by Freightos platform, allowing freight forwarders to book cargo capacity digitally across the airline's extensive East African network.

With this integration, WebCargo users gain immediate digital access to Jambojet Cargo services across nine major routes that link key commercial hubs in Kenya and Tanzania. Operating from its main base in Nairobi, Jambojet connects to Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Diani, Lamu and Zanzibar. In the future, the airline's capacity will also be made available for interlining agreements. Jambojet Cargo handles a wide variety of shipments including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce goods, supporting regional supply chains and cross border trade.

By joining WebCargo by Freightos, freight forwarders can now compare real time rates, confirm bookings instantly and manage their cargo online. This improves visibility, reduces manual processes and helps ensure a faster and more reliable service experience. Freightos currently handles an annualized run rate of more than 1.6 million transactions on its platform.

"Partnering with Jambojet Cargo expands WebCargo by Freightos' reach in one of Africa's most dynamic logistics markets," said Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos.

"By bringing more regional carriers online, we're continuing Freightos' mission to make global trade smoother and more efficient helping forwarders and shippers access the capacity they need, when they need it and where they need it."

"Digitalization is reshaping air cargo across Africa, and Jambojet is proud to be at the forefront of this change, providing our customers with a modern and easy to use booking experience," said Karanja Ndegwa, managing director and CEO at Jambojet.

"By joining WebCargo by Freightos, we're giving freight forwarders faster, smoother, and more reliable access to our network supporting the region's expanding trade and connectivity. Looking ahead, we're excited to make our capacity available for interlining on WebCargo by Freightos' platform, helping strengthen links between African markets and the world."

Connecting Africa with the rest of the world

The African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) has officially launched, marking a new chapter for Africa’s role in global trade and logistics integration

Founded in Accra, Ghana, on August 22, 2025, the confederation aims to unite professional standards and networks across the continent to strengthen competitiveness and collaboration.

Africa’s supply chains have long lagged behind more developed regions and today are under pressure to adapt to global disruptions and seize opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

ASCON provides a unified framework to professionalise the sector, ensuring Africa is not just a participant but a strategic player in global value chains, according to Ronald Mlalazi, the group’s president.

“Elevating the role of supply chain management in Africa is critical for economic development,” he said.

“ASCON will ensure Africa becomes a strategic player in global value chains.”

Its mission is to foster a cohesive African supply chain ecosystem grounded both in professionalism and collaboration, he added.

Key pillars include: establishing ethical codes and accreditation frameworks; advancing standardised qualifications and continuous professional development; fostering cross-border partnerships and professional alliances; and promoting research, publications and knowledge exchange.

As part of this, ASCON offers: a unified framework for professional mobility and recognition; support for resource mobilisation and membership growth; platforms for networking and partnership; and advocacy to shape policy and promote best practices.

Elevating competencies and ethical standards is expected to enable greater mobility and quality of work for professionals across Africa, a collective effort that will help to build overall resilience and growth across the sector.

ASCON is committed to positioning the continent as a leader in global supply chain development, according to professor Douglas Boateng, goodwill ambassador and Africa’s first Professor Extraordinaire in supply and value chain management.

He outlined the importance of professionalising supply chains to unlock industrialisation, reduce waste, and strengthen competitiveness under AfCFTA.

“The Africa we desire is in our hands,”said Boateng. “By integrating supply chains, we can deliver generational impact.”

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Introducing Bobcat’s new B16-20NT series. (Image source: Bobcat)

Bobcat has unveiled the new B16-20-NT series, its first 3-wheel forklift to be based exclusively on the latest lithium-ion technology

Designed for light to medium-duty use, the B16NT, B18NT and B20NT models offer a combination of compact design, high manoeuvrability, and an emission-free drive — a “future-proof investment for in-plant logistics,” according to the company.

“With the new Li-ion forklifts in the BNT series, the new Li-ion batteries, and the corresponding fast chargers for the existing range, Bobcat is clearly demonstrating its commitment to sustainable and efficient intralogistics,” the company said in a statement to announce the launch.

“The combination of zero-emission technology, high user-friendliness, and modern energy management makes the B16-20NT series and Bobcat’s Li-ion energy packs the ideal solution for forward-looking companies.”

Key features

The compact 3-wheel forklifts in the NT series offer load capacities of 1.6 to 2.0 tons with a load centre of 500 mm.

Equipped with a 4.5 kW dual drive, a 12 kW hydraulic motor and a maintenance-free lithium-ion battery, they boast high-performance capabilities.

According to Bobcat, the models are particularly impressive in narrow warehouse aisles thanks to their manoeuvrability and small turning radius.

Ergonomically designed driver’s seats with generous legroom, a low entrance and modern controls – including the intuitive colour display with onboard diagnostics and optional fingertip controls – ensure a high level of comfort and safety in daily use.

The electric parking brake including ramp stop completes the safety concept.

Lithium-ion batteries

Alongside the market launch of the new B16-20-NT series, Bobcat is also introducing its own lithium-ion batteries.

These can be ordered as an alternative to the lead-acid energy pack for the existing electric forklift product range.

The new batteries are available in 400 and 600 Ah versions – regardless of voltage and series – and can be seamlessly integrated into the forklift’s CAN bus, making a separate display redundant.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, also known as LFP) is used as the cell chemistry, ensuring high safety and a long lifespan.

Thanks to the integrated thermal management system, operation is even possible at temperatures as low as -18°C.

The Machine IQ telematics and diagnostics system, which allows important system data to be read out in real time, provides additional transparency and control.

“Not only is the service life of Bobcat’s lithium-ion batteries two to three times longer than that of conventional lead-acid batteries, they also require significantly less maintenance and offer higher efficiency,” the statement added.

“The Bobcat Machine IQ app can be used to easily monitor and analyse operating data, charging cycles and the battery status. The warranty of 5 years, or 10,000 operating hours, is another plus.”

Smart charging infrastructure

Bobcat has also developed its own series of powerful charging solutions for use with the new lithium-ion batteries, designed for efficiency and speed.

Depending on the model, a full charge takes around two hours at a charging capacity of up to 300 A. The chargers are available for both 51.2 V and 80 V systems and cover capacities from 400 to 600 Ah.

“Thanks to their flexible connectivity…and robust design, they are ideal for a wide range of applications, whether in existing charging premises or distributed throughout the application environment. Thanks to the smart charging electronics, the charging process is always safe and adapted to the current status of the battery, thus extending its service life.”

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