Rwanda to Launch Africa’s First Self-Flying Air Taxi

Rwanda is set to make history this week as it prepares to debut the first-ever public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi on the African continent. The demonstration will take place during the Aviation Africa 2025 summit in Kigali on September 4–5, according to a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure on September 3.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), working alongside EHang, a global leader in urban air mobility technology. The aircraft to be showcased is the EHang EH216-S, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed to fly without a pilot onboard.

Officials say the demonstration underscores Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a hub for advanced aviation technologies in Africa. The country has already earned international recognition for pioneering the use of drones in medical supply deliveries.

“Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are more connected and our economy is more dynamic through innovative transport solutions,” said Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure.

“Our partnership with CRBC provides a strong foundation to bring in new technologies and expertise. By collaborating on this historic flight, we are not only showcasing the future of aviation but also demonstrating our dedication to fostering a safe, progressive regulatory environment for Advanced Air Mobility.”

The Kigali demonstration will not only be the first public flight of its kind in Africa but will also serve as a live case study for policymakers, regulators, and investors exploring the potential of autonomous air mobility on the continent.

HUANG Qilin, Director General of CRBC Rwanda Office, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda to support their vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology. Leveraging our global network and engineering strength, we look forward to working with Rwanda to explore the potential of the low-altitude economy and create new models for innovative development across the continent,” he said.

The launch of the EH216-S eVTOL reflects Rwanda’s broader ambition to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into its transport ecosystem. AAM is seen as a solution to urban traffic congestion, a way to enhance community connectivity, and a step toward building more sustainable transport systems.

By hosting this historic first, Rwanda hopes to attract international investors and technology partners to its fast-growing aviation sector.