Rwanda has become Africa’s first country with full nationwide drone-based medical delivery, following a major expansion agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Zipline, the global leader in autonomous logistics.
The deal marks the first milestone under Zipline’s recent $150 million pay-for-performance award from the U.S. Department of State and builds on Rwanda’s pioneering role as the first country in the world to launch Zipline’s autonomous delivery service in 2016.
With the expansion, Rwanda will achieve several continental and global firsts: nationwide autonomous logistics coverage, Africa’s first urban drone delivery system, and the continent’s first autonomous delivery testing and research centre. The move further cements Rwanda’s reputation as a leader in AI, robotics, and technology-driven healthcare.
Urban Drone Deliveries Launch in Kigali
Under the agreement, Rwanda will introduce Zipline’s Platform 2 (P2) urban delivery system, making it the first African country to deploy the technology in densely populated cities. The system will initially serve Kigali, where about 40 percent of the country’s healthcare demand is concentrated.
P2 enables ultra-fast, quiet, and highly precise deliveries, and is already used in the United States to deliver tens of thousands of items daily to homes, offices, and public spaces.
Speaking on the partnership, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said Rwanda’s collaboration with Zipline reflects the government’s long-term commitment to using technology to improve lives.
“We have seen the extraordinary impact of drone delivery—saving time, saving money, and saving lives. With this expansion into urban delivery, even more communities will benefit,” she said, while thanking the U.S. government for supporting the initiative.
New Distribution Hub to Expand Reach
The expansion also includes the construction of a new long-range Zipline distribution centre in Karongi District, complementing existing hubs in Muhanga and Kayonza. The facility will extend medical deliveries to districts beyond the Nyungwe Forest, including communities near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border.
The Karongi hub is expected to serve around 200 health posts and 60 major health facilities, reaching more than 2.9 million people. Once fully deployed, Zipline’s network in Rwanda will cover over 11 million people nationwide and support approximately 350 local jobs.
First Overseas Zipline R&D Hub
As part of the agreement, Zipline will establish its first overseas AI and robotics research and development centre in Rwanda. The facility will focus on testing aircraft performance, improving safety systems, and developing next-generation logistics software, while also helping to build local technical talent.
Zipline Africa CEO, Caitlin Burton, described Rwanda’s decision as a landmark moment in global innovation.
“Rwanda is setting a new global standard for how innovation should be deployed—measured, proven, and scaled to save lives,” she said.
Strengthening Health Systems Through Data
Zipline’s delivery and logistics data are fully integrated into Rwanda’s national health information and emergency response systems, enhancing real-time visibility, outbreak detection, and coordinated responses. Since its launch, the drone network has enabled on-demand access to blood, vaccines, and essential medicines, contributing to improved health outcomes, including a 51 percent reduction in maternal deaths.
The U.S. government will provide upfront infrastructure funding, while Rwanda will finance ongoing operations—an approach designed to ensure the programme remains financially sustainable, nationally managed, and fully embedded within the country’s healthcare system.
With this expansion, Rwanda is demonstrating that autonomous healthcare delivery can work at national scale, offering a model for African countries seeking innovative solutions to long-standing health challenges.
