Building on Rwanda's pioneering 2016 launch of the world's first national drone delivery service, the new deal expands Zipline's operations to full nationwide coverage, introduces Africa's first urban drone delivery network, and establishes the continent's first autonomous delivery testing centre.
Under the expansion, Rwanda will also become the first country in Africa to deploy Zipline's next-generation urban delivery system, Platform 2 (P2), designed for fast, quiet and highly precise deliveries in dense cities such as Kigali, where nearly 40 per cent of national healthcare demand is concentrated.
The system is already in use in the United States, delivering thousands of items daily to homes, offices and public spaces.
Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said the partnership reflects Rwanda's long-term commitment to using technology to improve public services and save lives.
'Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people,' Ingabire said. 'We have seen the extraordinary impact of drone delivery in saving time, saving money and saving lives. With this partnership, we are expanding to urban delivery and reaching even more communities. We thank the U.S. Government for supporting Zipline's expansion and for joining us in building the foundation for Africa's future in healthcare and innovation.'
As part of the agreement, Zipline will establish a new long-range distribution hub in Karongi District, complementing its existing centres in Muhanga and Kayonza. The Karongi hub will extend delivery services to districts beyond the Nyungwe Forest, including communities near Rwanda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Within Rwanda, the facility is expected to serve about 200 health posts and 60 major health facilities, reaching more than 2.9 million people.
With the addition of the new hub and the rollout of urban services, Zipline's nationwide network in Rwanda will cover more than 11 million people and support approximately 350 local jobs. The Karongi site, built near the Rwandaâ€"DRC border, has also been described as a symbol of cooperation and peace between the two countries.
Zipline Africa CEO Caitlin Burton said Rwanda's approach to innovation continues to set a global benchmark.
'In 2016, Rwanda made a decision that changed health access forever,' Burton said. 'Rwanda did not ask whether it had been done before. It asked whether it could work and whether it could save lives. Today, Rwanda is doing it again. This is a global first â€" not because the technology exists, but because the leadership exists.'
She added that Rwanda's leadership was a key reason the U.S. Government is backing the expansion and why Zipline is investing beyond its contract in research, technology and high-skill jobs in the country.
In another first, the agreement includes the establishment of Zipline's first overseas research and development hub in Rwanda. The new AI and robotics testing facility will support aircraft performance testing, development of new safety systems and next-generation logistics software, while also contributing to local skills development and innovation.
Pierre Kayitana, Zipline Rwanda's Country Director, said the expansion creates a single, integrated logistics system serving all Rwandans.
'Rwanda pioneered autonomous logistics for the world,' Kayitana said. 'With the addition of a third hub and upcoming urban services in Kigali, Rwanda is creating a seamless national system that serves all citizens equally.'
Under the financing model, the U.S. Government will provide upfront infrastructure funding to enable the scale-up, while the Government of Rwanda will cover ongoing operations. Officials say the approach ensures the expansion is financially sustainable, nationally owned and fully integrated into Rwanda's broader strategy for resilient, technology-driven healthcare.
Since its launch, Zipline's drone delivery network in Rwanda has provided on-demand access to blood, vaccines and essential medicines, significantly reducing waste and improving health outcomes. According to Zipline, the system has contributed to a 51 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and strengthened real-time health data integration with national emergency response systems.
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