DHL predicts far-reaching benefits of drone use in Africa

DHL is looking ahead to the introduction of a drone delivery service to Africa, foreseeing many benefits as drones are able to reach remoter parts of the continent.

The courier company is currently trialling drones in Europe, and they are not yet in use as part of DHL’s day to day operations anywhere in the world. However, Jeff Phiri, managing director of DHL in Zimbabwe, is confident that the company’s drone innovations will lead to a breakthrough for delivery in Africa.

In Malawi, drones are already being used to deliver HIV and AIDS medicinal care packages to rural areas. In Zimbabwe, the government is looking to use drones to monitor its national parks and prevent the illegal poaching of elephants, rhinos and other endangered species—following in the footsteps of South Africa, which already uses drones.

But there would also be obvious economic benefits to a drone network. “Our footprint expansion will play a major role in facilitating international trade across the country,” Phiri says, referring to Zimbabwe, “especially for medium enterprises (SMEs), who are seeking access to growth opportunities beyond our borders.”

(Source: The Southern Times)