Drones in Rwanda to Begin Home Deliveries
At the Aviation Africa Summit 2025 held in Kigali, Rwanda, American drone company Zipline announced a new service that will transform daily life for many households. The company will soon use drones to deliver food, medicine, and online purchases directly to people’s homes.
Zipline is already known in Rwanda for using drones to deliver blood supplies and veterinary products across the country. The new plan will expand its services to cover everyday consumer needs.
Zipline’s New Drone Model: Platform 2
During the summit, Zipline presented its latest drone called Platform 2 (P2). This model was first launched in Dallas, USA, in April 2025, and is designed specifically for safe and fast home delivery.
Features of the P2 Drone
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Carrying Capacity: 4–5 kilograms of goods (enough food for 8–10 people).
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Flight Range: 20–25 kilometers per trip.
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Speed: Up to 100 km/h, which means it can fly across Kigali in about 15 minutes.
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Delivery Method: Uses a secure cable system to lower packages gently, unlike older drones that dropped items with parachutes.
Zipline explained that this drone has been under development for 10 years and is more reliable and easier to use than its previous models.
When Will Drone Deliveries Start in Rwanda?
According to Pierre Kayitana, Zipline’s General Manager in Rwanda, the service is expected to officially start in 2026.
The first locations to benefit will be:
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Kigali – Rwanda’s capital and largest city.
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Musanze – a busy hub in the north.
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Rubavu – an important trade and tourism city on the western border.
Kayitana said the company is finalizing tests before the service begins. He added:
“We are very excited and preparing to complete the trials so that we can officially start operations.”
Affordable and Accessible Service
Zipline highlighted that the drone delivery service will be made affordable for local communities. Since drones do not need drivers or fuel, the overall costs will be lower compared to traditional delivery methods.
The company also plans to partner with:
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Shops and supermarkets
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Restaurants
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Pharmacies and clinics
This means that households will be able to receive their goods faster, at a reasonable cost, and without worrying about traffic delays.
Why This Innovation Matters for Rwanda
The launch of drones in Rwanda for home delivery is another example of the country’s growing reputation in technology and innovation. Rwanda has already attracted global attention by hosting major events like the UCI Road World Championships 2025, and now it is leading Africa in using drones for everyday life.
This step will not only improve convenience for citizens but also boost Rwanda’s image as a modern, smart, and connected nation.
Read more about Zipline’s global work here.
