Rwanda has made history in aviation by hosting the first public flight of a self-flying passenger drone on the African continent.
The demonstration took place in Kigali on Wednesday, just before the Africa Aviation Summit 2025, scheduled for September 4–5. The event featured the EHang EH216-S, an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft built to carry two passengers without a pilot.
During the test, the drone rose about 100 meters above the ground, giving the audience a glimpse of what the future of air travel could look like. For Rwanda, this flight is not just a technical showcase but also a symbol of its ambition to be at the forefront of advanced aviation technology in Africa.
Rwanda as a Leader in Aviation Innovation
The Government of Rwanda partnered with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and EHang, a world leader in urban air mobility, to organize the pilot flight. Officials say the project strengthens Rwanda’s image as a hub for modern air technology on the continent.
By combining CRBC’s global engineering experience with EHang’s cutting-edge aircraft, Rwanda hopes to build an ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This new industry is expected to help reduce traffic jams in cities, cut carbon emissions, and provide cleaner, faster, and more sustainable transport options.
The Minister of Infrastructure said Rwanda is committed to building a connected, modern economy through innovation in transport. “By showcasing this flight, Rwanda is sending a clear message that we are ready to embrace the future of aviation. Our goal is not only to demonstrate the technology but also to develop a safe and forward-looking regulatory framework for Advanced Air Mobility,” the minister explained.
CRBC and EHang’s Contribution
HUANG Qilin, Director General of CRBC’s Rwanda Office, praised the partnership. He said CRBC is proud to support Rwanda’s vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology. Using CRBC’s global expertise, he added, the partnership will explore the potential of what is being called the “low-altitude economy” and create models for new economic growth in Africa.
EHang, the company behind the EH216-S drone, noted that the aircraft is part of a new generation of self-flying eVTOLs. It has already been tested in Asia and the Middle East, but Rwanda’s demonstration is the first of its kind in Africa. The company highlighted that this launch shows Rwanda’s openness to futuristic transport systems and its role in leading the continent into a new era of aviation.
The Global Context of Passenger Drones
The idea of passenger drones, often called “flying taxis,” is still new but is advancing quickly around the world. Countries like China and the United Arab Emirates have already tested these drones, and some European cities are beginning to explore their potential.
These electric, battery-powered aircraft are designed mainly for short-distance urban travel. They are seen as eco-friendly solutions that can reduce reliance on fuel-powered cars and improve city mobility.
With this first demonstration, Rwanda has placed itself among the early movers in the global race to adopt passenger drones. The country’s decision to embrace the technology reflects its broader vision of innovation, sustainability, and leadership in Africa’s aviation future.
