Rwanda has signed a strategic expansion agreement with U.S.-based drone delivery company Zipline to establish the world’s first national autonomous drone delivery network, including Africa’s first urban drone system, the government announced Thursday. The deal is supported by a US$150 million grant awarded to Zipline by the U.S. Department of State, with Rwanda serving as the initial beneficiary.
“The Rwanda-Zipline partnership has worked for years to deploy technology in service of our people. We have seen the extraordinary impact of drone delivery by saving time, saving money and saving lives,” said Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation. “Through this partnership, we will expand urban delivery and extend these benefits to even more communities.”
Under the agreement, Rwanda will deploy Zipline’s urban delivery technology, known as Platform 2, in Kigali, which accounts for nearly 40% of the country’s healthcare demand. The system enables fast, quiet, and precise deliveries in dense urban areas and is already in operation in the United States, where it delivers tens of thousands of retail and grocery items to homes and public locations.
The deal also includes reinforcement of Rwanda’s existing delivery network through the construction of a third long-range distribution hub in Karongi district. This new center complements Zipline’s Muhanga and Kayonza hubs, extending coverage toward districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and enhancing equitable access to essential medical products across the country.
In addition to logistics, Zipline will establish its first international artificial intelligence and robotics testing center in Rwanda. The facility will research next-generation logistics software, aircraft performance under varied climate conditions, and new safety systems. It will also support local talent development, creating highly skilled jobs in robotics, AI, and advanced technologies.
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The expanded partnership builds on a decade-long collaboration. Zipline has operated in Rwanda since 2016 and has renewed its engagement multiple times, including a $61 million contract in December 2022 aimed at tripling delivery volumes and reaching nearly two million deliveries by 2029, covering more than 200 million kilometers flown by autonomous drones.
Company data indicate that the Rwanda-Zipline partnership has contributed to a 51% reduction in maternal mortality in covered areas. The integration of real-time delivery data into national health and emergency systems has also strengthened epidemiological surveillance and enhanced Rwanda’s crisis response capabilities.
Analysts say the urban drone network could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to leverage advanced logistics technologies to improve healthcare access and broader service delivery. The Karongi hub and Kigali urban system will demonstrate the feasibility of integrating autonomous aircraft into densely populated areas while maintaining safety, reliability, and speed.
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“This expansion cements Rwanda’s position as a leader in digital health innovation and logistics,” said an industry observer. “The combination of urban delivery, long-range network expansion, and AI research capabilities could redefine how essential services are distributed across the continent.”
As Rwanda scales its drone network, the government emphasizes its commitment to harnessing technology to improve health outcomes and strengthen supply chains. By combining Zipline’s autonomous delivery expertise with Rwanda’s robust ICT infrastructure and policy support, the partnership is expected to create a sustainable model for advanced logistics and healthcare delivery in Africa.
