Rwanda has once again positioned itself at the forefront of global innovation after signing a landmark expansion agreement with Zipline, making it the first country in the world to achieve nationwide autonomous delivery coverage. The move also establishes Africa’s first urban drone delivery network and the continent’s first autonomous delivery testing center.
The agreement marks the first milestone under Zipline’s recent $150 million pay-for-performance award from the United States Department of State. Rwanda first partnered with Zipline in 2016, becoming the world’s pioneer in drone-powered medical deliveries. Nearly a decade later, the country is scaling that vision nationwide.
Africa’s First Urban Drone Delivery Network Launches in Kigali
As part of the expansion, Rwanda will deploy Zipline’s next-generation urban delivery system, Platform 2 (P2), becoming the first country in Africa to introduce the technology. The system will serve dense urban areas such as Kigali, which accounts for nearly 40 percent of Rwanda’s healthcare demand.
Platform 2 enables ultra-fast, quiet, and highly precise deliveries. In the United States, the system already delivers more than 100,000 retail and food items with dinner-plate accuracy to homes, offices, hotels, and public spaces. Rwanda will now adapt this proven technology to strengthen urban healthcare logistics.
Rwanda Sets Global Benchmark for Autonomous Healthcare Logistics
Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa, said Rwanda’s leadership continues to redefine what is possible in healthcare access.
“In 2016, Rwanda chose impact over hesitation. The country tested autonomous delivery, measured results, and scaled what worked,” Burton said. “Today, Rwanda is leading again. This achievement is not only about technology; it is about bold leadership. That leadership explains why the U.S. government is backing this expansion and why Zipline is investing beyond its contract in research and high-skill jobs in Rwanda.”
New Karongi Distribution Hub Expands National Coverage
To support full nationwide delivery, Rwanda will add a third long-range Zipline distribution center in Karongi District. The new hub will complement existing facilities in Muhanga and Kayonza while extending service beyond the Nyungwe Forest to districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Karongi hub, built near the Rwanda–DRC border, stands as a symbol of regional peace and cooperation. Within Rwanda, the facility is expected to serve nearly 200 health posts and more than 60 major health facilities. The hub will reach approximately 2.9 million people.
Once fully deployed, Zipline’s nationwide network in Rwanda will cover over 11 million citizens and support about 350 local jobs, strengthening both healthcare delivery and economic growth.
Integrated, Government-Led and Financially Sustainable Model
According to Zipline Rwanda Country Director Pierre Kayitana, the expansion creates a unified system that serves all Rwandans equally.
“Rwanda proved to the world that autonomous logistics can outperform traditional systems in speed, reliability, and efficiency,” Kayitana said. “With service expanding to Kigali and Karongi, the country is building a seamless national delivery network that leaves no community behind.”
The United States government will provide upfront infrastructure funding, while the Government of Rwanda will finance ongoing operations. This shared approach ensures long-term sustainability and full integration into Rwanda’s national health strategy.
Rwanda to Host Zipline’s First Overseas AI and Robotics R&D Center
Zipline will also establish its first international research and development hub in Rwanda. The new AI and robotics testing facility will focus on aircraft performance, advanced safety systems, and next-generation logistics software.
The center will help develop local technical talent while testing drone operations across diverse climates and weather conditions. As a result, innovations built in Rwanda will shape autonomous delivery systems used worldwide.
Proven Impact on Health Outcomes and Emergency Response
Zipline’s autonomous delivery network has already transformed healthcare access in Rwanda. The system delivers blood, vaccines, and essential medicines on demand, reduces waste, and strengthens emergency response.
Health outcomes have improved significantly, including a reported 51 percent reduction in maternal deaths. Additionally, all Zipline logistics data integrates into Rwanda’s national health and emergency systems, improving outbreak detection and real-time response.
This data-driven approach aligns with Africa CDC’s vision of resilient, technology-enabled health systems and enhances early-warning capabilities across the continent.
Rwanda’s Model Offers Lessons for Africa and the World
By proving that autonomous delivery works at national scale under real-world conditions, Rwanda is offering a blueprint for governments across Africa. The country has shown that innovation thrives when leadership, data, and public trust align.
As other nations search for solutions to persistent healthcare challenges, Rwanda’s drone-powered logistics system stands as evidence that technology-led transformation is achievable, scalable, and life-saving.
