Rwanda and Chinese firms jointly launch Africa's first air taxi

Rwanda, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation and Chinese aviation technology company EHang Holdings Limited, has launched Africa's first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi EH216-S during the ongoing Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.

The two-day summit, which opened on Thursday, saw the EH216-S — a pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing or eVTOL aircraft — take to the skies in front of regulators, investors, and aviation experts from across the African continent in Kigali.

Speaking at the summit, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame highlighted the significance of the moment and called it a preview of 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 very happy to be part of this demonstration and look forward to seeing what comes next."

He said investment in a stronger and more dynamic aviation sector is essential to driving economic growth adding that with Africa's middle class expanding and tourism on the rise, air travel demand is expected to double in the coming years.

Kagame pointed to efforts such as the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area as key drivers of integration and opportunity. Africa's vision is "to invest in a stronger and more dynamic aviation sector as a necessary building block for economic growth," he said.

Rwanda's Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore in a statement said the milestone underscored the country's ambition to become a regional hub for advanced air mobility technologies.

"This demonstration is a symbol of our commitment to building cities that are more connected, sustainable, and innovative," Gasore said.

The road and bridge corporation welcomed the achievement stating that the collaboration shows the potential of the low-altitude economy and opens new models for development across Africa.

"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.

Huang added that the EH216-S pilotless air taxi can cruise at 100 km/h, reach a top speed of 130 km/h, and has a range of 35 km with a flight time of about 21 minutes.

Already operational in several countries, Huang said the aircraft is seen as a blueprint for eco-friendly transport and easing congested urban environments.