Rwanda to Showcase Africa’s First Self-Flying Electric Air Taxi at Aviation Africa 2025 Summit
The Government of Rwanda, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), will host Africa’s first-ever public demonstration of a self-flying electric air taxi during the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali on September 4–5.
The showcase will feature the EHang EH216-S, a pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), marking a historic milestone for advanced air mobility (AAM) on the continent.
Rwanda is collaborating with CRBC’s global engineering expertise to develop an ecosystem for AAM — a technology designed to ease traffic congestion, connect communities, and support sustainable transport solutions.
The live demonstration will serve as a case study for African regulators and industry stakeholders, offering insights into the potential, safety, and regulatory pathways of urban air mobility.
Rwanda, already recognized worldwide for pioneering drone delivery services, aims to use this milestone to attract investment and technology partners for its growing aviation sector.
“Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are more connected and our economy is more dynamic through innovative transport solutions,” said Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore.
Huang Qilin, Director General of CRBC’s Rwanda Office, echoed this vision: “We are proud to support Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology.”
About the EH216-S eVTOL
The two-passenger EH216-S is the world’s first flying taxi certified as airworthy by China’s aviation regulator. It cruises at 100 km/h, reaches a top speed of 130 km/h, and has a range of 35 km with a flight time of about 21 minutes.
Equipped with 16 electric motors and propellers, the aircraft can carry up to 220 kg and recharges in approximately two hours. Its carbon-fiber frame, gull-wing doors, and wide windows combine safety with panoramic views. Vertical take-off and landing capabilities mean the EH216-S requires minimal infrastructure, making it particularly suited to urban mobility.
As of July 2018, the aircraft had already completed more than 1,000 manned flights, including trips of up to 8.8 km in a single journey, demonstrating both reliability and readiness for commercial deployment.
A New Era for African Urban Mobility
By debuting the EH216-S at the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit, Rwanda is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced air mobility in Africa. Building on its success with drone delivery services, the country is now expanding its innovation into electric aviation.
The pilotless air taxi is more than a technological showcase — it signals the beginning of a new era of fast, eco-friendly, and infrastructure-light urban transport in Africa.
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