Sweddknowlege platform 20 August 2026

UNFPA Cameroon_SWEDD_Drone Workshop_July 2024 P8

THE MOVENPICK RESORT LAMANTIN HOTEL
Saly Portudal, Mbour – Senegal
July 22 – 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE DRONE-BASED DDK PROJECT IN CAMEROON

EXHIBITION MAP
CONTEXT
METHODOLOGY
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
NEXT STEPS

1. CONTEXT (1)
Ensuring that the supply of reproductive health products reaches the last mile and promoting the harmonization and integration of supply systems in countries: 2nd of the 4 strategic objectives of Phase III of the UNFPA Supplies Partnership.

Geo-climatic and security context vs. national objectives/commitments (Goal No. 1 FP2030 and Political & Regulatory Commitment No. 1 FP2030; Concept Leaving No One Behind)

Experience from other countries such as Madagascar, Rwanda, ...
FP2030 Goal No. 1: Increase modern contraceptive prevalence from 15,4% to 35% by 2030 and reduce unmet need for family planning from 23% to 10%.
Political and Regulatory Commitment No. 1 FP2030: Ensure the continued availability of contraceptive products by strengthening last-mile distribution

1. CONTEXT (2)
Hypothesis: The integration of drones for the distribution of health products in Cameroon, as a complementary transport modality to existing traditional mechanisms, would improve the efficiency, responsiveness and resilience of the supply chain, particularly for health facilities facing persistent or seasonal road infrastructure problems and humanitarian crises.

The UNFPA Cameroon office has offered to conduct a feasibility study which is at the preliminary results stage.

FP2030 Goal No. 1: Increase modern contraceptive prevalence from 15,4% to 35% by 2030 and reduce unmet need for family planning from 23% to 10%.
Political and Regulatory Commitment No. 1 FP2030: Ensure the continued availability of contraceptive products by strengthening last-mile distribution

2. METHODOLOGY
The methodology adopted by the consultant was structured around 3 axes:
Data collection from institutional and human sources;
Data analysis and production of dashboards based on project performance evaluation indicators
Production of a final report with recommendations on the type of drones to acquire and the most suitable areas for making deliveries.

3. RESULTS OBTAINED
3.1. DRAFT ACTION PLAN
3.2. ADVOCACY STRATEGY PROJECT
3.3. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DELIVERY DRONE SUPPLIERS

3.1. DRAFT ACTION PLAN (1)
Steps
Estimated duration
Responsability
Estimated budget
Observations
1. Feasibility study
1 months
Team dedicated to the study
$ 50 000
Commission a team to conduct a thorough feasibility study on the introduction of delivery drones in Cameroon
Analyze the specific needs in landlocked areas, islands, and areas with limited infrastructure.
2. Awareness
1 month (continuous)
Communications Team
$ 20 000
Organize workshops and information sessions to raise awareness among policymakers, businesses, and the public about the benefits of delivery drones.
Actively involve representatives from the islands, rural areas, as well as the academic and technological communities.
With a view to integrating delivery drones as a modality of DDK in Cameroon, the following 10-step action plan is proposed:

3.1. DRAFT ACTION PLAN (2)
Steps
Estimated duration
Responsability
Estimated budget
Observations
3. Local collaborations
4 months (Continuous)
Partnership teams, liaison with university institutions
$ 80 000
Establish partnerships with institutions such as Polytech Yaoundé and Douala to create research and development programs on delivery drones.
Collaborating with Cameroon Flying Lab to mobilize experts in mechatronics, robotics, and aeronautical technologies.
4. Drafting of Legislative Proposals
3 months
Legal team, coordination with the relevant authorities
$ 30 000
Working in collaboration with relevant government agencies to develop legislative proposals that support the integration of delivery drones.
Ensure that regulations take into account security, confidentiality, and environmental implications.

3.1. DRAFT ACTION PLAN (3)
Steps
Estimated duration
Responsability
Estimated budget
Observations
5. Pilot Projects
6 months (Trial period)
Pilot project team, technical experts
$ 300 000
Implement pilot projects in specific areas, starting with islands and rural areas.
Evaluate the operational, economic and social performance of delivery drones in these contexts.
6. Communication and Image Management
1 months (Continuous)
Communications and Media Team
$ 15 000
Implement a robust communication campaign to inform the public about the progress, benefits, and successes of the pilot projects.
Use local media and online platforms to share success stories.

3.1. DRAFT ACTION PLAN (4)
Steps
Estimated duration
Responsability
Estimated budget
Observations
7. Lobbying and Political Advocacy
3 months
Advocacy team, political communication experts
$ 40 000
Engage in a lobbying process with political decision-makers by presenting positive results from pilot projects.
Ensure that advocacy is supported by concrete data and feedback from experience.
8. Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustments
3 months (Continuous)
Evaluation team, technical experts
$ 25 000
Establish continuous evaluation mechanisms to monitor the performance of delivery drones.
Adjust strategies based on feedback and technological developments.

3.1. DRAFT ACTION PLAN (5)
Steps
Estimated duration
Responsability
Estimated budget
Observations
9. Training and Skills Development
4 months (Continuous)
Training team, academic partnerships
$ 60 000
Develop training programs for drone operators, technicians and logistics professionals.
Supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening local skills in the field of drones and new technologies.
10. International cooperation
2 months
International Coordination Team
$ 35 000
Explore opportunities for collaboration with international partners, particularly with countries that have succeeded in integrating delivery drones (Madagascar+++, Rwanda, ………..).
The implementation of this action plan will require effective coordination between the actors involved, transparent communication and continuous adaptation according to the challenges encountered on the ground.
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3.2. ADVOCACY STRATEGY PROJECT (1)
Arguments in favor of DDK by drones
Potential counter-arguments
Potential answers
1. Improved accessibility to remote areas
Risks related to aviation safety in densely populated areas;
Potential for malicious use of drones;
Risky security situation in Cameroon
Availability of a Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) authorization;
Working upstream with the local populations to involve them and limit malicious uses
2. Speed and efficiency in deliveries
Complexity of flight routes, particularly in urban areas;
Limitations on drone payload capacity
Validation of routes before each flight;
Consistency of routes reduces risks
CCAA = Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority
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3.2. ADVOCACY STRATEGY PROJECT (2)
Arguments in favor of DDK by drones
Potential counter-arguments
Potential answers
3. Reduction of delivery costs
High initial costs for infrastructure and drones;
Need to maintain a constantly evolving fleet of drones
It is now possible to acquire delivery drones at competitive costs, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 (or between 5,000,000 XAF and 30.000.000 XAF) per unit depending on the type of drone.
This alternative proves to be economically viable and can surpass the costs associated with maintaining traditional vehicles.
4. Improved access to medical care
Public reluctance to trust new technologies;
Possible technical malfunctions leading to delays in medical deliveries
Community engagement to overcome reluctance.
Rigorous maintenance protocols to minimize malfunctions (which are not unique to drones).
CCAA = Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority
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3.2. ADVOCACY STRATEGY PROJECT (3)
Arguments in favor of DDK by drones
Potential counter-arguments
Potential answers
5. Positive impact on the environment and technology transfer
The need for rechargeable batteries, which are potentially harmful to the environment.
Risks associated with drone waste management.
Damaged drones donated to local schools to educate children about robotics (recycling).
Existence of local drone manufacturers/suppliers.
6. Stimulus of local technological innovation
Risk of dependence on foreign technologies.
Impact on the employment of traditional delivery drivers
The presence of local drone manufacturing players in Cameroon reduces the risks of dependency if local tech communities are involved.
Involvement of local engineering communities such as flying labs, fab labs, technology incubators in Yaoundé, Edéa and Douala; the two polytechnic institutes of Yaoundé and Douala
CCAA = Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority
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3.3. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DELIVERY DRONE SUPPLIERS
DJI (China)
Zipline (USA)
Deutsche Post (Germany)
AVY Drone (Netherlands)
Amazon (US)
Average price (USD)
$ 18 000
$ 100 000
$ 60 000
$20,000 – $50,000
$ 100 000
Delivery range (km)
16 - 28 km
5 - 10 km
10 - 20 km
60 km
10 - 15 km
Payload (kg)
40 kg
5 kg
5 - 10 kg
5 - 10 kg
5 kg
Delivery time of equipment to Cameroon
20 days
3 months
2 months
1 months
3 months
Major comparative advantage
Price/Simplicity/Asia Delivery Experience
Rwanda Experience
quality
European delivery experience
US Delivery Experience
Infrastructure quality out of 5
4
2
3
4
3
The consultant's analysis is based on data obtained from open sources and direct interviews with the listed suppliers, as well as their technical specifications. Based on this assessment, it appears that the drones from the Chinese company DJI and the Dutch company AVY offer an effective compromise between quality, price, and delivery range for a pilot phase.
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Finalize the receipt of the results of the feasibility study in Cameroon;
Continue sharing with countries that have successfully introduced drones for DDK (Madagascar++);
Continue the dialogue with the Government (including the Army) and potential investors around this project.
4. NEXT STEPS