Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi, the EH216-S, was launched by Rwanda in collaboration with China Road and Bridge Corporation and Chinese aviation technology company EHang Holdings Limited on September 4, during the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.
The EH216-S, a pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, took to the skies in Kigali during the two-day summit, which began on Thursday and ended on Friday. Investors, regulators, and aviation experts from all over Africa were present.
Benefits of Africa’s first self-flying electric air taxi EH216-S
The EHang EH216-S is a self-flying electric air taxi that uses electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology to ease traffic, improve community connectivity, and encourage environmentally friendly transportation.
President Paul Kagame and other officials observed the demonstration, which aims to attract technology partners and investment to Rwanda’s developing air mobility market. This initiative cemented Rwanda’s status as a testing and deployment centre for advanced aviation technology in Africa.
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Sneak peek at Africa’s aviation future
During his remarks at the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasised the moment’s importance and referred to it as a sneak peek at Africa’s aviation future.
“Today, for the first time in Africa, a self-flying air taxi has taken to the skies,” Kagame said. “We are delighted to be part of this demonstration and look forward to seeing what comes next.”
He stated that the expansion of the middle class in Africa and the growth of tourism are expected to double the demand for air travel in the upcoming years, and that investment in a more robust and dynamic aviation sector is crucial to promoting economic growth.
Kagame identified initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market as important forces behind opportunity and integration.
He stated that Africa wants “to invest in a stronger and more dynamic aviation sector as a necessary building block for economic growth. ”
Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional centre for cutting-edge air mobility technologies
According to Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore, the milestone highlighted the nation’s goal of becoming a regional centre for cutting-edge air mobility technologies.
“This demonstration symbolises our commitment to building more connected, sustainable, and innovative cities,” Gasore said.
The partnership demonstrates the potential of the low-altitude economy and opens new models for development throughout Africa, according to the Road and Bridge Corporation, which praised the accomplishment.
“We are proud to support Rwanda’s vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology,” said Huang Qilin, director general of Road and Bridge Corporation’s Rwanda office.
Key features of the first self-flying electric air taxi in Africa
Huang said that the EH216-S pilotless air taxi has a range of 35 km, can cruise at 100 km/h, and can reach a top speed of 130 km/h. Its flight time is approximately 21 minutes.
Huang stated that the aircraft, already in use in several nations, is regarded as a model for environmentally friendly transportation and alleviating crowded urban areas.