Rwanda has etched its name in aviation history by conducting Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying passenger drone, cementing its position as a trailblazer in advanced air mobility on the continent.
The landmark demonstration, held during the Africa Aviation Summit 2025 in Kigali, showcased the EHang EH216-S, a pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The event, attended by President Paul Kagame and senior government officials, featured the two-seat, fully electric drone soaring to an altitude of approximately 100 meters, navigating autonomously without an onboard pilot. This continental first for autonomous air taxis marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s vision for innovative transportation solutions.
The flight was made possible through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda, the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and Chinese aviation technology firm EHang Holdings Limited.
The collaboration highlights Rwanda’s ambition to lead in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to address urban congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable transportation.
“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, emphasizing the transformative potential of the technology.
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The EH216-S, powered by 16 electric motors across eight arms, can travel up to 30 kilometers at speeds of approximately 130 km/h. Officials noted that the technology could drastically cut travel times in congested urban areas like Kigali, offering a solution to growing transportation challenges.
Huang Qilin, CRBC’s Rwanda director general, described the project as a testament to the long-term cooperation between China and Rwanda in developing the “low-altitude economy” across Africa. He highlighted that Rwanda’s demonstration builds on EHang’s earlier deployments in Asia and the Middle East, further expanding the global reach of autonomous aviation.
Rwanda’s leadership in aviation innovation is well-established, with prior advancements in drone delivery of medical supplies and investments in electric mobility infrastructure, including charging networks and e-buses. The introduction of pilotless passenger drones represents the latest chapter in Rwanda’s push toward a sustainable, tech-driven future.
