Rwanda is set to make history as the first African nation to publicly demonstrate a self-flying electric air taxi, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The unveiling will take place at the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali on September 4–5, according to Business Insider Africa.
The showcased aircraft, the EHang EH216-S, is a pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
Already certified as airworthy by China’s aviation regulator, it is regarded as the world’s first commercially viable flying taxi.
The EH216-S carries two passengers, cruises at 100 km/h, has a range of 35 km, and can recharge in just two hours. Its carbon fiber frame, gull-wing doors, and wide windows add both safety and passenger comfort.
Officials say the Kigali demonstration will serve as a live case study for African regulators, offering insights into the safety and feasibility of advanced air mobility (AAM).
Powered by 16 electric motors and propellers, the craft can carry loads of up to 220 kilograms and has already completed over 1,000 manned flights globally, including journeys of nearly 9 km.
Rwanda is no stranger to innovation in aviation. The country is widely recognized for pioneering drone delivery services, which have revolutionized medical supply chains across East Africa.
Now, it is expanding into urban air mobility. “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.
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Similarly, Huang Qilin, CRBC’s Rwanda Director General, stressed the partnership’s potential, stating: “We are proud to support Rwanda’s vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology”.
The debut of the EH216-S at Aviation Africa 2025 signals more than just a technological showcase—it highlights Rwanda’s ambition to become a leader in sustainable urban transport solutions.
By embracing electric aviation, the country hopes to ease traffic congestion, attract investment, and position itself at the forefront of Africa’s future transport revolution.
Image Credit: The Eastleigh Voice
