Kigali will host the debut of Africa’s first self-flying air taxi

At the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali on September 4-5, the Government of Rwanda and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will launch Africa’s first-ever public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi.

This information was released by the Ministry of Infrastructure on September 3.

According to the statement, EHang, a business that develops technology for urban air mobility, has teamed up with CRBC to enhance its global market reach and successfully launch the first flight of its EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Africa.

“This project strengthens Rwanda’s position as Africa’s center for testing and implementing cutting-edge aviation technology,” the ministry said.

CRBC’s global engineering expertise will help Rwanda create a new ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a technology that will help ease traffic, connect communities, and make sustainable transportation choices.

Using the EHang EH216-S pilotless eVTOL, the demonstration will be the first public flight of its kind in Africa. It will also serve as a live case study for stakeholders and officials on the continent.

According to the statement, Rwanda wants to build on its past of success with drone delivery services by attracting investment and technology partners to its new air mobility market.

“Through new transportation solutions, Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are better connected and our economy is more dynamic,” the statement quoted Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure, as saying.

“Our relationship with CRBC gives us a solid base for bringing in new technologies and advice.” We’re showing off the future of aviation and our commitment to creating a safe, forward-thinking regulatory environment for advanced air mobility by working together on this historic trip.

According to Huang Qilin, Director General of CRBC Rwanda Office, “We are proud to work with the Government of Rwanda to support their goal of becoming a leader in aviation technology.”

“This partnership shows how dedicated we are to bringing innovative solutions to Africa.” I’m excited to work with Rwanda to explore the low-altitude economy’s potential and come up with new models for innovative growth across the continent, using our global network and engineering expertise, he said.