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The Government of Rwanda, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), is set to stage Africa’s first-ever public demonstration of a self-flying electric air taxi at the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali on September 4–5.
Rwanda is partnering with CRBC’s global engineering expertise to develop a new ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a technology aimed at easing traffic congestion, linking communities, and advancing sustainable transport solutions.
The showcase will feature the EHang EH216-S, a pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), marking the continent’s first public flight of its kind.
The demonstration is expected to serve as a live case study for African regulators and industry stakeholders, providing insights into the potential and safety of advanced air mobility.
Rwanda, which has already gained global recognition for pioneering drone delivery services, hopes the milestone will help attract investment and technology partners to its emerging urban air mobility market.
“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.
Echoing this vision, Huang Qilin, Director General of CRBC’s Rwanda Office, emphasized the partnership’s potential impact: “We are proud to support Rwanda’s vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology.”
The two-passenger EH216-S eVTOL multicopter is the world’s first flying taxi to be declared airworthy, following certification by China’s aviation regulator. It cruises at 100 km/h, reaches a top speed of 130 km/h, and has a range of 35 km with a flight time of about 21 minutes.
Powered by 16 electric motors and propellers, the aircraft can carry up to 220 kg and recharges in roughly two hours. Its carbon fiber frame, gull-wing doors, and wide windows combine safety with panoramic views. — Business Insider Africa
