Rwanda has carried out Africa’s first test of a self-flying passenger drone, a move that highlights the country’s push to become a leader in aviation innovation.
In September, the EHang EH216-S, an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft built to carry two people without a pilot, flew about 100 meters above Kigali in a demonstration flight.
“Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are more connected and our economy is more dynamic through innovative transport solutions,” said the Minister of Infrastructure.
The test is part of a partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and EHang, a Chinese company that has already conducted similar trials in Asia and the Middle East.
“We are proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda to support their vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology,” said Huang Qilin, CRBC’s head in Rwanda.
Rwanda has previously taken the lead in drone use. In 2016, it became the first base for Zipline’s medical deliveries, which continue to supply blood and vaccines to remote areas faster than road transport. By moving into passenger drones, Rwanda is signaling it intends to shape aviation technology, not just adopt it.
Don’t Miss This:
Oil India Expects Restart Of Mozambique LNG Project By Year’s End
Globally, airlines are investing heavily in eVTOLs. United Airlines has partnered with Archer Aviation in the U.S., Virgin Atlantic is working with Vertical Aerospace in the U.K., and Brazil’s Azul is backing Eve Air Mobility. While none of these aircraft are certified yet, pre-orders have already exceeded $10 billion, showing where the industry is headed.
For EHang, Rwanda provides proof that African skies are open to advanced air mobility. Certification remains a challenge worldwide, but Rwanda offers a supportive regulatory environment and political backing, which manufacturers need most at this stage.
Although large-scale use of autonomous air taxis in Africa is still years away, the Kigali test flight puts Rwanda alongside Dubai, Beijing, and Paris, cities that have already flown passenger drones, and could influence other African nations to follow its lead.
Don’t Miss This:
Zimbabwe’s Richest Man Plans To Build Five New AI Factories Across Africa
Image Credit: CIO Africa
