By Wallace Mawire
Drone Solutions Zimbabwe and ZimPost have officially launched a drone delivery service in Plumtree, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of Zimbabwe’s logistics sector through the integration of advanced aerial technology with established postal infrastructure.
The partnership aims to advances innovation, inclusive connectivity and sustainable logistics in Zimbabwe.
The launch, held in celebration of World Post Day sponsored by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), and was presided over by Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services.
The demonstration saw a Kite Aero drone transport a package from Bambadzi Business Centre in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, near the Botswana border, to Masendu ZimPost, covering approximately 37 kilometres in just 20 minutes.
The Minister dispatched the package, and the drone subsequently returned carrying her gift pack.
The successful demonstration highlights the potential of drone technology to complement conventional delivery systems, improve logistics efficiency and expand access to services.
By integrating aerial technology with ZimPost’s established network of more than 230 agency locations, the partnership seeks to create new delivery opportunities for businesses, communities and public institutions.
The Kite Aero drone features a four-kilogram cargo compartment, a cruising speed of 120 km/h and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Its maximum battery-supported flight distance is reported to be up to 277 kilometres under specified operating conditions.
Jeremiah Musabayana, Chief Executive Officer and President of Drone Solutions International, said the initiative represents a broader vision for technology-enabled logistics in Zimbabwe.
“This launch is not simply about introducing a new delivery method; it is about laying the foundation for a smarter, more integrated logistics ecosystem. By connecting aerial technology with established delivery networks, we can rethink how goods move, how businesses reach markets and how communities access essential services,” he said.
The partnership aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) 2026–2030 priorities, particularly innovation, infrastructure modernization, digital transformation, employment creation and inclusive economic growth. Potential applications include urgent parcels, medical and laboratory supplies, humanitarian consignments, industrial spare parts and other time-sensitive goods, subject to operational requirements and applicable regulatory approvals.
“Our strategic objective is to move beyond isolated drone operations towards scalable solutions that respond to real economic and social needs. We see technology as an enabler of national competitiveness, helping industry become more productive, businesses reach customers efficiently and skilled Zimbabwean professionals access new opportunities,” Musabayana said.
Drone Solutions Zimbabwe provides services in aerial surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspections, agricultural spraying and spreading, security surveillance, drone sales, maintenance, technical support and professional pilot training.
Its subsidiary, the Drone Solutions Training Institute (DSTI), reports having trained more than 1,500 drone pilots across different ratings, contributing to skills development and local technical capacity.
The partnership seeks to establish a scalable model in which drone operations complement existing transport networks, improve supply-chain efficiency and support service delivery beyond major urban centres.
“Our vision is to build a system that is safe, commercially viable and sustainable, ensuring drone technology delivers measurable value to industry and communities while contributing to Zimbabwe’s development priorities,” Musabayana added.
The Plumtree launch marks an important step towards a more connected and competitive Zimbabwe, demonstrating how collaboration between technology providers and established institutions can unlock new opportunities for innovation, business growth and inclusive development.
Drone Solutions is the biggest provider of unmanned aerial technology solutions and services, including drone delivery, aerial surveying and mapping, inspections, agricultural applications, surveillance, drone sales and training in Zimbabwe.
Through its technical capabilities and professional training initiatives, the company seeks to support innovation, improve operational efficiency and expand the practical application of drone technology across Zimbabwean industries.