Rwanda Showcases Africa’s First Self-Flying Air Taxi
Rwanda has become the first country in Africa to host a public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi, marking a new chapter in the continent’s aviation history.
At the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali, officials unveiled the EH216-S electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), developed by Chinese company EHang. The demonstration, carried out in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), showcased the aircraft’s ability to fly autonomously without a pilot onboard.
The two-seater EH216-S is fully electric and designed for short-range urban flights. With its vertical take-off and landing capability, it requires no runway and can carry up to 220 kilograms, according to the manufacturer. Advocates say such aircraft could help ease urban congestion, cut emissions, and offer new options for connecting hard-to-reach areas.
For Rwanda, the debut underscores its ambition to position itself as a hub for advanced air mobility. The country has already earned global attention for pioneering drone delivery of medical supplies through Zipline, which has been operating since 2016. Officials say the new step into air taxis builds on that reputation for innovation.
However, the showcase does not yet translate into commercial service. Regulatory approvals, safety standards, and infrastructure requirements remain to be addressed before the technology can be deployed for passengers. Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority is expected to develop a framework to guide future operations.
Industry analysts note that while eVTOL aircraft are still in early stages worldwide, Rwanda’s demonstration places Kigali among the first cities globally to publicly test such technology. If successful, it could provide a model for other African nations exploring advanced mobility solutions.
