Hi, welcome to Tech This Evening, an After-Work Tech Newsletter from Techparley Africa. Sure, there is a lot to unpack right now. Sit back, while I walk you through.
Top Story: Zipline Partners Rwanda for Nationwide Drone Delivery of Medicines
Rwanda has taken a historic step in autonomous logistics by signing an expansion agreement with US-based drone company Zipline, positioning the East African nation as one of the first countries in the world to achieve full nationwide coverage for autonomous medical and logistics deliveries.
Announced on 5 February 2026, the deal unlocks the first tranche of funding under a up to $150 million “pay-for-performance” award from the US Department of State, originally announced in November 2025.
“Today, Rwanda is doing it again. This is a global first — not because the technology exists, but because the leadership exists,” Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa, said, adding that the partnership sets a new global standard for deploying innovation.
“Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people. We have witnessed the extraordinary impact of drone delivery — saving time, saving money, and saving lives,” said Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation.
Other Tech News Stories You Should Read:
DXC Technology and Euronet Partner to Transform Global Card Issuing and Payments for Banks and Fintechs. Read now.
Cybersecurity Startup, Outtake, Raises $40m to Pioneer AI-Led Fight Against Digital Identity Fraud. Read now.
XSML Capital Raises US$142M for Fourth African Fund, Surpassing Target in Strong Vote of Confidence for SME Financing. Read now.
On Startup Spotlight:
Kenyan Startup, GreenWheels, Makes Electric Motorbikes Affordable to Own for Riders Across East Africa
GreenWheels, a Nairobi-based startup is transforming urban transport in East Africa by making electric motorbikes accessible to thousands of gig workers through a lease-to-own programme that combines vehicle access, stable income opportunities, and real-time support.
The startup, founded to accelerate the shift from petrol-powered boda bodas to cleaner electric alternatives, has already equipped more than 2,000 drivers with its e-bikes in Nairobi and Kampala.
The company now aims to scale to 5,000 drivers by the end of 2026, capitalising on soaring fuel prices, worsening traffic congestion, and growing demand for sustainable last-mile solutions in high-density urban markets.
“Riders choose electric not because it’s cleaner, but because lower running costs raise their take-home pay immediately. Economics drives adoption long before impact narratives do,” said Mercy Karimi, chief of customer operations at GreenWheels.
Quadri Adejumo brings you all the details. Read here.
Also Read:
Egypt’s Bosta Unveils Middle East’s Largest Automated Sorting Machine to Power Egypt’s E-commerce Boom. Yakub Abdulrasheed brings us the details, here.
Quote of the Day:
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.” – Arthur C. Clarke.
Thank you for joining me yet again this evening. Stay safe, and see you tomorrow for the next tech newsletter.
Best, Quadri
