Rwanda Successfully Demonstrates Africa’s First Autonomous Air Taxi Service Ahead Of Formal Launch
Rwanda successfully completed its demonstration of Africa’s first self-flying air taxi on September 4, 2025. The event, which took place at the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali, has now positioned the country as a forward-thinking leader in advanced air mobility.
The demonstration of this new technology was undertaken together with the China Road And Bridge Corporation (CRBC), which is a partner in the long-term project to ease mobility across the country.
Rwanda now joins other countries that are also test-driving electric self-flying air taxis, including China, Germany, The Dominican Republic, Israel and the US.
Rwanda employed the EHang EH216-S aircraft, which is described as a “sleek, futuristic drone”, with 16 propellers and two-passenger capacity. It is a product of a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and China’s EHang Holdings Ltd. In this demonstration, the taxi drone climbed to an altitude of around 100 metres, completing its pre-programmed route before making a vertical landing.
This isn’t the first time Rwanda has pioneered drone technology for public service; the country also went first-forward with medical deliveries in 2016, in partnership with US robotics company Zipline, to supply medical kits to far-flung, hard-to-reach rural areas. Eventually, this partnership really came to bear during the Covid-19 pandemic when Rwanda was able to leverage this new technology to keep its fatalities from the virus low.
“Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are more connected and our economy is more dynamic through innovative transport solutions,” said Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore, at the air taxi demonstration. He emphasised that the partnership with CRBC provides a strong foundation for bringing new technologies and expertise to the country.
“By collaborating on this historic flight, we are not only showcasing the future of aviation but also demonstrating our dedication to fostering a safe, progressive regulatory environment for Advanced Air Mobility.”
The EH216-S boasts a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a range of up to 35 kilometres. It is designed with multiple redundant systems, ensuring a high degree of safety. Its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities mean it requires minimal infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for densely populated urban environments.
A full commercial service may not launch soon – the country still needs to develop regulatory frameworks to govern its operations – but the successful flight is a pivotal moment for stakeholders and bench-markers across the continent, and a promise of what the future could hold for mobility in Africa.
But while Rwanda’s public flight is a major milestone for Africa, the development of self-piloted air taxis is a global race, with multiple countries and companies working toward the goal of making this technology a safe and viable form of transportation.
Featured Image Courtesy www.trtrglobal.com
