Rwanda has made history by launching Africa’s first self-flying electric air taxi, marking a major breakthrough in the continent’s aviation and mobility sector. The unveiling took place in Kigali during the Africa Aviation Summit 2025, where the EHang EH216-S — a pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft — was showcased. The two-seat, fully electric drone ascended to about 100 meters and navigated autonomously, drawing significant attention from stakeholders.
The event was attended by President Paul Kagame, senior government officials, and representatives of partner organizations including the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Chinese aviation firm EHang Holdings Limited. “This is more than just a demonstration. It is a glimpse into how Rwanda envisions its cities and economy: connected, efficient, and sustainable,” said Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure.
The autonomous air taxi is expected to help ease urban congestion while providing a cleaner, faster, and more efficient means of transportation. Officials say the project aligns with Rwanda’s smart city ambitions and could attract greater investment in green technology. Industry experts believe the milestone could inspire broader adoption of autonomous aviation across Africa as nations look to sustainable alternatives for transport and urban mobility.
Source : https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/
