In a historic aviation breakthrough, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, on Wednesday unveiled Africa’s first ever Air Taxi during the 9th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition (AVAF25).
The event is taking place September 4–5, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre in Kigali.
Before the unveiling, Kagame highlighted the critical role of drones in saving lives and managing time efficiently. “Today, a self-flying Air Taxi will take to the skies. It is the first time in the African Continent,” he declared.
The Air Taxi Launch in Kigali
The 2-seater Air Taxi, built by Ehang Intelligent Equipment in Guangzhou, China, stunned participants with its sleek design and futuristic features.
According to company representative Tom Peng, the Air Taxi has an endurance of more than 30 minutes and can cover significant distances.
Peng explained that the aircraft requires no pilot, as it is controlled from interconnected ground stations, making it a fully autonomous Air Taxi system.
Kagame’s Vision for Aviation Growth
Delivering his opening remarks on the theme “Collaborating to Unlock Africa Aviation Growth; How Can Africa Deliver Sustainable Aviation Industry?”, Kagame underscored Rwanda’s commitment to aviation development.
He praised Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition (AVAF25) as a driver of sectoral progress. He further assured delegates that Africa’s air traffic is expected to double in the coming years, with Rwanda already taking steps to open its skies.
The President noted that Rwanda has lifted visa restrictions for all African citizens and confirmed that RwandAir is expanding its fleet.
While stressing that travel should not remain exclusive to the wealthy, he called for continental unity to unlock Africa’s full aviation potential.
Industry Leaders Commend Rwanda
Chairman of Aviation Africa Summit, Alan Peaford, praised Rwanda for its consistency in hosting the event and leading aviation transformation. He pointed out challenges of expensive fuel, high airport taxes, and a shortage of aviation security personnel as issues Africa must tackle.
“Rwanda was the torchbearer for change. Thanks to President Kagame and the support of RCAA and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Aviation Africa became accessible to the continent in 2017,” Peaford said.
The AVAF25 summit attracted leading global and African aviation companies. Major exhibitors included: Airbus, Dunlop, Aviation Management Support Limited (AMSL), Rolls Royce, AFRAA, AFBAA, Diamond Aircraft, Aero MRO
Others present were Ethiopian MRO, Flyco Training Services, NAVPASS, Mediterranean Aviation Services, and Etam Aviation Services Ltd.
Nigerian Firms at the Summit
At the AMSL stand, CEO Capt. David Olubadewo described the summit as one of the biggest successes in the industry, noting smooth organisation and ease of access. He observed, however, that Nigerian participation was lower than expected.
General Manager Mrs. Kemi Olubadewo added that AMSL aimed to expand frontiers in aviation consumables such as tyres and oils. “We are here in Kigali to create more awareness and boost sales. Feedback so far has been encouraging,” she said.
Operations Manager of Aero MRO Nigeria, James Ominiyi, highlighted the summit’s role in strengthening Aero MRO’s visibility.
“Participation has already attracted interest from leasing companies seeking maintenance services for aircraft operating in Africa,” he noted.
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