Rwanda is making waves in agricultural innovation by using drone technology to transport pig semen to veterinarians, drastically reducing delivery times and boosting farming efficiency. Through a partnership with robotics company Zipline, semen that previously took up to eight hours to reach farmers can now be delivered in just 50 minutes, even to remote areas that once required seven-hour vehicle trips.
Zipline’s drones, each capable of carrying 3.3 kilograms and over 40 doses of pig semen, now deliver more than 100 doses daily. These are used by trained vets affiliated with the Rwanda Agriculture Board to improve pig breeding outcomes. “Today, a farmer can access quality semen within minutes,” said Zipline Parcels Manager Prosper Uruvugundi, speaking during the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) held at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Once a drone is dispatched, recipients receive text message alerts both before and as the drone nears the delivery point. The efficiency and reliability of this technology have transformed how farmers access critical resources, despite initial hesitation in adopting the innovation.
ACAT, attended by over 800 delegates, brought together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge agricultural solutions. Notable attendees included former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, Mark Bagabe.
Another innovation on display was the MK1 electric tractor, part of the GenFarm pilot initiative. Powered by swappable batteries, the tractor enables carbon-free mechanization of small farms. The collaboration—between Volkswagen Group Innovation, Volkswagen Group Africa, Mobility Solutions Rwanda, and GIZ—plans to utilize solar panels in a green hub to sustainably charge these tractors.
Bagabe emphasized the importance of empowering small-scale farmers to navigate climate change and outdated farming tools. AATF Executive Director Canisius Kanangire added that enabling environments for farmer-focused technologies can greatly enhance productivity and economic empowerment.
With these technological strides, Rwanda is setting a powerful example of how innovation can drive sustainable agricultural transformation across Africa.
