Africa-Press – Rwanda. President Paul Kagame on Thursday, September 4, presided over the launch of Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi, during the ongoing Aviation Africa Summit 2025 in Kigali.
The innovative air taxi is the result of a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The two-day summit has brought together aviation industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and innovators to discuss the future of air travel in Africa. The event has attracted at least hundreds of participants and 120 exhibitors.
Running from September 4 to 5, the summit is hosted by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, RwandAir, Rwanda Airports Company, and Akagera Aviation, under the auspices of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The New Times photographer Craish Bahizi captured the highlights.
A self-flying air taxi hovers near the Kigali Convention Centre on Thursday, September 4. Photos by Craish BAHIZI
This initiative solidifies Rwanda’s position as Africa’s hub for testing and implementing cutting-edge aviation technology.
The demonstration, featuring the EHang EH216-S pilotless eVTOL, marks the first public flight of its kind in Africa and provide a live case study for stakeholders and regulators on the continent.
By hosting this historic event, Rwanda aims to attract investment and technology partners to its emerging air mobility market, building on its successful history of pioneering drone delivery services.
Technicians explain how a first self-flying air taxi operates at the launch in Kigali.
The demonstration, featuring the EHang EH216-S pilotless eVTOL, marks the first public flight of its kind in Africa and provide a live case study for stakeholders and regulators on the continent.
Kagame and officials during a tour at the launch of Africa’s first public flight of a self-flying electric air taxi.
Technicians explain how a first self-flying air taxi operates at the launch in Kigali.
The event has attracted at least hundreds of participants and 120 exhibitors.
The event has attracted at least hundreds of participants and 120 exhibitors.
Kagame and delegates during a guided tour of the exhibition.
Kagame and RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo interact with exhibitors. The event has attracted at least hundreds of participants and 120 exhibitors.
Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda interacts with Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga at the event.
Kagame poses for a group photo with delegates at the opening session of the summit in Kigali.
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