Rwanda Launches Africa’s First Drone-Based Air Taxi Service

Historic self-flying passenger drone flight positions Rwanda as a leader in advanced air mobility
KIGALI, Sept. 10, 2025 — Rwanda has officially become the first country in Africa to publicly launch a drone-based air taxi service, marking a major leap forward in the future of transport on the continent. The landmark event took place during the Africa Aviation Summit 2025 in Kigali, where attendees witnessed the historic public flight of a fully autonomous, self-flying passenger drone.
The aircraft the EHang EH216-S, a two-seat, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle successfully lifted off, ascended to an altitude of around 100 meters, and navigated the skies of Kigali entirely autonomously, without a pilot onboard.
This groundbreaking flight was observed by President Paul Kagame and other top government officials, underscoring Rwanda’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge aviation technology and innovation.
A Global Collaboration
The project was made possible through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and Chinese aviation giant EHang Holdings Limited a pioneer in urban air mobility technologies.
By facilitating this demonstration, Rwanda has positioned itself at the forefront of advanced air mobility (AAM), not just in Africa, but globally.
About the EHang EH216-S

Passenger capacity: 2

Propulsion: Fully electric

Flight mode: 100% autonomous (no pilot onboard)

Application potential: Urban commuting, tourism, cargo delivery, emergency response

What This Means for Africa
This flight opens the door to a future where drone-based air taxis could help solve urban congestion, improve access to remote areas, and transform public transportation in Africa.
It also strengthens Rwanda’s reputation as a hub for drone innovation, building on its successful use of delivery drones for healthcare logistics in partnership with Zipline.

“This is more than just a flight it is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, regulation, and vision come together,” said a senior official during the summit.

What’s Next?
Rwanda plans to expand testing, develop droneport infrastructure, and begin integrating air taxis into the national transport ecosystem under a regulated framework.