Rwanda has become the first African country to stage a public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi, marking a milestone in the continent’s aviation and urban mobility ambitions.
President Paul Kagame, oversaw the demonstration of the EHang EH216-S, a pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, at the Aviation Africa Summit 2025 in Kigali. Built by Chinese firm EHang, the two-seat, fully electric aircraft flew without a pilot onboard, powered by autonomous navigation technology.
“This is more than just a demonstration. It is a glimpse into how Rwanda envisions its cities and economy, connected, efficient, and sustainable,” said Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore.
Gasore noted that the technology offers a direct response to growing congestion in Kigali and other urban centers. “With the ability to bypass clogged roads and connect key points in minutes rather than hours, the technology promises to ease pressure on ground transport, cut commuting times, and improve urban mobility. This aligns with Kigali’s vision of smarter, greener cities where technology drives efficiency and sustainability,” he said.
The project is the result of a partnership between the Rwandan government, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and urban air mobility firm EHang. CRBC’s Rwanda director general Huang Qilin called the initiative a symbol of long-term collaboration. “We look forward to working with Rwanda to explore the potential of the low-altitude economy,” he said.
Gasore added that the initiative cements Rwanda’s position as an innovation hub. He pointed to the country’s earlier adoption of drone delivery services for medical supplies as well as investments in charging infrastructure and policy frameworks for e-mobility. “The government has also invested in charging infrastructure and policy frameworks to support e-mobility, including electric buses and motorcycles that are already transforming urban transport,” he said.
The Kigali demonstration positions Rwanda at the forefront of testing emerging aviation technologies in Africa, with officials framing it as part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced mobility solutions into urban planning.
