Zipline expands deliveries in Rwanda to boost economic development, wildlife conservation
KIGALI, Rwanda (February 26, 2024) — Zipline has expanded its partnership with its first customer — the Government of Rwanda — with a new delivery service designed to promote economic development and wildlife conservation. In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Zipline has begun to deliver products made by local artisans directly to guests at resorts and lodges.
This effort will help fund conservation of crucial ecological resources in Rwanda. 20 percent of the fee paid for every delivery completed by Zipline within Rwanda’s tourism sector will go towards the expansion of Volcanoes National Park and conservation of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and other endangered species.
This initiative expands on Zipline’s long-standing collaboration with the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board. Zipline has also partnered with agencies including the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Agriculture Board, the National Child Development Agency, the Rwanda Biomedical Center and others to improve access to blood, animal health products, human vaccines, childhood nutrition products, and medical supplies through 24/7, on-demand logistics. In 2022, Zipline and the government of Rwanda expanded their partnership and announced a collaboration between Zipline and the Rwanda Development Board. This is part of that initiative.
“We are elated to join forces with the Rwanda Development Board for this project, broadening the horizons of our drone delivery services far beyond the realm of medical supplies,” says Pierre Kayitana, General Manager of Zipline Rwanda. “This 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.”
“Made in Rwanda” products include fashion and souvenir items created by a vetted list of local business owners. The goal of delivering these products via Zipline is to boost local businesses, enhance the visibility of Rwandan products, and contribute to the growth of the nation’s creative economy. Zipline delivery service will first be available to guests at Wilderness Destinations lodges in Rwanda and the UMVA Muhazi Lodge.
“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,” says Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board.
Rwanda is a global leader in embracing innovative solutions to improve the lives of people and wildlife. While today, Zipline operates on four continents and completes a delivery every 70 seconds, it launched in Rwanda. This new service provides tourists with a unique opportunity to experience the types of innovations cultivated in Rwanda.
Zipline was founded to create the first logistics system that serves all humans equally. The company designs, manufactures and operates the world’s largest autonomous logistics system that is used every day by businesses, governments and consumers. Zipline’s fully electric and autonomous drones reduce delivery emissions by up to 97% compared to gas cars. Zipline has flown more than 100 million autonomous kilometers, and has delivered millions of items including more than 14 million vaccine doses. For more information, please visit www.flyzipline.com.