Rwanda has taken a historic leap into the future of aviation with Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi.
President Paul Kagame yesterday presided over the demonstration of the Chinese-built EHang EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft during the Aviation Africa Summit 2025 in Kigali.
According to The New Times publication, the two-seat, fully electric air taxi, powered by next-generation autonomous navigation technology, took to the skies without a pilot on board, in a milestone moment for both Rwanda and Africa.
“This is more than just a demonstration. It is a glimpse into how Rwanda envisions its cities and economy, connected, efficient, and sustainable,” said Rwanda’s minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore.
