Rwanda Signs Deal to Host Zipline Drone Testing Center

Kigali, Rwanda — Rwanda has signed a landmark agreement that will see the country host a drone testing, research, and innovation center, further cementing its position as a global hub for technology and innovation.

The agreement, signed on February 4, 2026, makes Rwanda the first country to formalize participation in the expansion of Zipline, following a $150 million investment package provided by the United States Government to scale up the drone logistics company’s operations.

Rwanda Leads Zipline’s Africa Expansion

The $150 million investment, announced in November 2025, is intended to expand Zipline’s services across five African countries: Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya.

Under the agreement, the first country to sign would immediately begin accessing the funds. Rwanda’s early commitment reflects its long-standing ambition to become a continental leader in technology, innovation, and smart logistics.

Zipline began operations in Rwanda in 2016, marking the first use of drones for civil logistics in Africa. The model later expanded to Europe and Asia.

Over 600 Drone Deliveries Per Day

Zipline Rwanda currently conducts more than 600 drone deliveries daily, initially focusing on blood supplies. Today, it delivers over 200 types of medical products across 10 categories, including vaccines, medicines, and animal insemination materials.

The company operates from drone hubs in Muhanga (Shyogwe Sector) and Kayonza District, with nearly 35 percent of deliveries involving livestock-related services.

New Zipline Hub to Open in Karongi

As part of the expansion, Rwanda will establish a new Zipline hub in Karongi District, extending drone services to previously underserved areas such as Bugarama.

The Karongi hub is expected to begin operations in May 2026 and will serve:

200 health centers
60 major hospitals
More than 2.8 million residents

The expansion will allow Zipline to cover all districts of Rwanda, creating approximately 350 new jobs and providing services to over 14 million people nationwide.

Commercial Drone Deliveries to Begin in Kigali

Rwanda is also preparing to introduce commercial drone deliveries using Zipline’s next-generation Platform 2 (P2) drones.

These drones are designed for dense urban environments and will initially operate in Kigali City before expanding nationwide. The P2 drones use a tethered delivery system that gently lowers packages to the ground, making them suitable for high-rise neighborhoods and busy city areas.

Once implemented, Rwanda will become the first country globally where Zipline operates nationwide for both emergency medical and commercial deliveries.

Drone Testing and Innovation Center to Be Established

The agreement also includes the establishment of a Drone Testing and Innovation Center in Rwanda. The facility will focus on:

Artificial intelligence and robotics research
Drone performance testing
Aviation safety systems
Advanced logistics software development

According to Zipline, the center will help design new safety protocols, flight systems, and delivery technologies while supporting Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional innovation powerhouse.

Rwanda Praised for Visionary Leadership

Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said the partnership demonstrates how technology can directly improve citizens’ lives.

“This collaboration will expand urban delivery services and reach more people efficiently. We thank the U.S. Government for supporting Zipline’s expansion and for partnering with Rwanda in advancing innovation and healthcare,” she said.

Zipline Africa CEO Caitlin Burton praised Rwanda’s bold decision-making, noting that the country prioritizes solutions that work rather than waiting for global precedents.

“Rwanda did not ask whether this had been done elsewhere. It asked whether it could save lives. That mindset has made Rwanda a global leader in drone logistics,” Burton said.

A Decade of Zipline Operations in Rwanda

Zipline has operated in Rwanda for 10 years, delivering medical supplies to over 5,000 health facilities worldwide. Every 30 seconds, a Zipline drone launches somewhere on the planet.

Globally, Zipline drones have flown more than 193 million kilometers, serving populations across four continents.

The company expects its expanded operations to:

Serve more than 130 million people in Africa
Increase partner hospitals from 5,000 to 15,000
Create over 800 jobs
Generate up to $1 billion annually in economic impact

Strengthening Rwanda’s Innovation Economy

Rwanda’s early adoption of drone technology continues to attract international investment and reinforce its reputation as a testbed for emerging technologies.

With the new drone testing and innovation center, expanded delivery networks, and commercial drone services on the horizon, Rwanda is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital and logistics transformation.