Rwanda to establish national drone network

Under the new partnership, Zipline will aim to complete nearly two million instant deliveries, and fly more than 200 million autonomous kilometers in Rwanda by 2029.

The Rwandan government will work to triple its delivery volume, adding new delivery sites in rural and urban locations throughout the country, as well as opening Zipline’s services up to other government entities outside of its original role in supporting healthcare providers.

Zipline stated that: “What started with blood six years ago, now includes medicine, medical supplies, nutrition and animal health products. This new partnership expands that foundation to support the country’s financial, e-commerce and tourism industries.”

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board added: “With this new agreement, we will be incorporating Zipline into many aspects of our national operations from providing a reliable healthcare supply chain, to addressing malnutrition, to creating an unforgettable eco-tourism experience. Rwanda is an innovation hub and we’re thrilled to be the first country in the world to launch a national drone delivery service.”

Zipline already has a strong presence in Rwanda

From its distribution centers in Muhanga and Kayonza, Zipline delivers 75 per cent of the country’s blood supply outside of Kigali, serving over 400 hospitals and clinics. The company also cited a study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania that credited an 88 per cent reduction of in-hospital maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage as a result of Zipline’s logistics and delivery system.

“Instant logistics has saved thousands of lives and is solving some of the world's most important problems – hunger and malnutrition, road congestion and environmental pollution, and lack of access to healthcare,” said Daniel Marfo, Senior Vice President and Head of Zipline’s Africa business and operations. “We are honored to expand our relationship with our first customer to support additional sectors of government and create more impact together.”

Zipline also received Part 135 air carrier certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration earlier this year, authorizing it to conduct long-range on-demand drone deliveries in the US.