Rwanda to host Africa’s first public flight of self-flying electric air taxi

September 4, 2025 in Business, Companies, Science and Technology, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Rwanda is set to make aviation history later today by hosting Africa’s first-ever public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi, underscoring its ambition to become the continent’s hub for testing and deploying emerging technologies.

The demonstration of the EH216-S electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will be the highlight of the two-day Aviation Africa 2025 Summit that opened earlier today in Kigali. The flight will be conducted by civil contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) on behalf of EHang, a Nasdaq-listed urban air mobility technology company that has partnered with CRBC to expand its eVTOL footprint on the continent.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure, the initiative “solidifies Rwanda’s position as Africa’s hub for testing and implementing cutting-edge aviation technology.” The country is leveraging CRBC’s global engineering expertise to build a new ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a technology designed to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and provide sustainable transport options.

The flight of the EH216-S aircraft, capable of carrying two passengers without a pilot, is expected to offer regulators, investors, and industry stakeholders a live case study on the future of urban mobility in Africa.

“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. “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.”

Huang Qilin, Director General of CRBC Rwanda Office, said the collaboration reflects both parties’ long-term vision. “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.”

The event marks Rwanda’s latest move to position itself as a launchpad for advanced air mobility in Africa, building on its pioneering role in integrating drone delivery services into its health supply chain.