Rwanda will soon see drones delivering goods to homes, as Zipline announced plans to launch the service in 2026. The company, already known in Rwanda for using drones to transport medical supplies and livestock semen, says the new system will mainly target urban households.
The service will start in Musanze and Rubavu before expanding to Kigali and other cities.
According to Zipline General Manager, Pierre Kayitana, the plan follows months of testing and preparation.
“We are excited and looking forward to completing tests and perfecting the system before launching officially in 2026,” Kayitana said.
The drones, known as Platform 2 (P2), can carry between four and five kilograms and travel up to 25 kilometers per trip. They can reach speeds of 100 km/h, allowing deliveries across Kigali in about 15 minutes.
Unlike older models that dropped packages with parachutes, the new drones will lower goods using a secure tether system.
Zipline says it is working to keep costs affordable and will hold discussions with businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants to set fair pricing.
The company unveiled the new technology during an aviation exhibition in Kigali last week at a global aviation conference.
If implemented as planned, the initiative could make Rwanda one of the few countries in the world to use drones for large-scale home delivery.