Zipline, a drone delivery service firm, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to deliver “Made in Rwanda” products to tourists at local resorts. This initiative not only expands Zipline’s operational scope beyond medical supplies but also supports local artisans and ecological conservation efforts.
Under this new partnership, Zipline will deliver products made by local artisans directly to guests at resorts and lodges. This initiative is designed to fund the conservation of crucial ecological resources in Rwanda. Remarkably, 20% of the fee from every delivery within Rwanda’s tourism sector will be allocated towards the expansion of Volcanoes National Park, supporting the habitat of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and other endangered species.
This collaboration builds on Zipline’s established relationship with the Rwandan government. Since 2016, Zipline has partnered with the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Agricultural Board, the National Child Development Agency, the Rwanda Biomedical Center, and other agencies to improve access to essential supplies through 24/7, on-demand logistics.
“We are elated to join forces with the Rwanda Development Board, broadening the horizons of our drone delivery services far beyond the realm of medical supplies,” said Pierre Kayitana, General Manager of Zipline Rwanda. “This initiative allows Zipline, in collaboration with handpicked ‘Made in Rwanda’ brands, to deliver local gifts directly to tourists even in the most remote corners of Rwanda.”
The “Made in Rwanda” products include fashion and souvenir items created by a vetted list of local business owners. This initiative aims to boost local businesses, enhance the visibility of Rwandan products, and contribute to the growth of the nation’s creative economy.
Initially, the delivery service was made available to guests at high-end Wilderness resorts and the UMVA Muhazi Lodge, with more tourism facilities expected to benefit from this innovative tech-driven service.
“This partnership underscores our dedication to collaborating closely with private sector entities such as Zipline, to advance environmental conservation, stimulate economic development, and foster a culture of innovation,” said Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB. This collaboration continues to position Rwanda as a global leader in embracing innovative solutions for the betterment of its people and natural wildlife.
Zipline’s journey in Rwanda has been a remarkable success story. Despite initial setbacks in the US, Rwanda embraced Zipline, allowing it to reach its one-millionth delivery milestone. Today, Zipline operates across four continents, including in four African countries and the United States, backed by investments from leading companies like Sequoia Capital, a16z, and Google Ventures.
“The three areas where the incentive makes the most sense today are healthcare, quick commerce, and food,” said Keller Rinaudo, CEO of Zipline, highlighting the company’s commitment to transforming the logistics sector using autonomous drones.
In Rwanda, Zipline delivers 75% of the country’s blood supply outside of Kigali, significantly reducing maternal mortality rates due to postpartum hemorrhage by 88%. In Kenya, Zipline’s partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation has facilitated the delivery of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment products. In Nigeria, Zipline covers over 500 health facilities in Kaduna, more than 350 in Cross River State, and 200 in Bayelsa. In Ghana, Zipline has completed over 540,000 drone delivery flights, including substantial deliveries of vaccines, medical products, blood products, and animal health products.
“The achievement of the one millionth delivery milestone underscores our dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes and addressing societal needs across Africa,” Rinaudo noted in a press statement.
As Zipline continues to innovate and expand its reach, it is poised to shape the future of healthcare delivery on the continent and beyond. The partnership with the Rwandan government, which marked the first national-scale commercial drone delivery, showcases Rwanda’s ambitions in delivering innovative technology products and services.
Rwanda’s success with Zipline has positioned it as a hub for drone technology, hosting continent-wide drone demonstrations such as the £40,000 Africa drone flying challenge, the “Lake Kivu Challenge,” held in 2020. Rwanda’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its growing coding community and plans to establish a Drone Operation Centre with an initial funding of Rwf2.3 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. This center will be located in Huye District, Southern Province, and will serve as a cornerstone for developing the country’s unmanned aircraft industry, ensuring its effective utilization and regulation.
