Stories from Kigali · Rwanda

SipLine has been supplying drones to over 450 health centers across Rwanda since 2016. The delivery process takes between five to ten minutes to ensure life-saving blood reserves are available for patients.

Visit Rwanda has expanded its marketing presence to the United States through new contracts with the NBA and American football clubs. The initiative aims to increase global awareness of Rwanda as a tourism destination.

A drone dropped its load near a hospital located approximately 50 kilometers from Kigali. Jean-Bosco Shimimana, head of emergency and rescue services, stated that the hospital orders from medical services 10 to 20 times per day. Shimimana noted that blood deliveries typically take five to ten minutes to arrive and are critical for saving patient lives. The drive from the capital to the facility takes about one and a half hours. Products that are nearing expiration can be transferred to other hospitals via the SITLINE system. This drone delivery model is currently active in eight other countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Ivory Coast, and is being tested in parts of the United States. The drone service is also active in Ghana, Kenya, and Ivory Coast, with testing occurring in the USA.

The Rwandan government has directed all public institutions to ensure at least 30% of new vehicle purchases are electric vehicles. Currently, over 2,000 electric vehicles are registered in the country, representing a small proportion of total registrations. All electric vehicles in Rwanda are currently tax-exempted to improve affordability. While initial upfront costs remain higher than secondhand internal combustion engine vehicles, the exemption aims to offset long-term fuel and maintenance expenses. Private sector adoption is also increasing due to these tax incentives. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of rising energy and food costs. This installment-based model allows businesses to replace broken-down vehicles with EVs through low initial payments. The current EV market in Rwanda and across Africa consists of a mix of manufacturers, including Chinese brands.