The ninth edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from Thursday to Friday, featuring Chinese technologies that are poised to boost exploration of China-Africa cooperation in the low-altitude economy. The event, which took place under the theme “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth – How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?”, drew 1,700 aviation industry professionals and over 100 companies showcasing cutting-edge products.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame opened the summit, highlighting the high cost of air travel as a significant barrier to tourism and connectivity across Africa. He emphasized the need for governments and industry leaders to collaborate to make aviation more affordable and sustainable, stressing that Africa’s skies must be opened up to better serve citizens, businesses, and the wider economy.
A major attraction at the exhibition was the EH216-S, a pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle produced by EHang, a leading urban air mobility technology platform company from China. The electric vertical take-off and land (eVTOL) aircraft made its maiden flight in Africa, witnessed by President Kagame and Chinese representatives. Melissa Rusanganwa, head of International Cooperation at the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, experienced the flight and expressed excitement about the potential for such technology in Africa.
The EH216-S is capable of carrying two passengers with a maximum payload of 220 kilograms and can cruise at a speed of up to 130 kilometers per hour at an altitude of under 1,000 meters. It has obtained a type certificate, production license, and standard airworthiness certificate, making it the world’s first eVTOL aircraft to achieve this feat.
Africa accounts for approximately 17 percent of the world’s population, yet its share of global air transport volume is less than five percent. This disparity highlights the immense potential for low-altitude economic development in Africa and the urgent need to address the challenges facing the aviation industry. The Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition provided a platform for industry professionals to engage in in-depth discussions on these challenges and explore opportunities for growth and development. The event underscored the significance of collaboration and innovation in unlocking Africa’s aviation potential and promoting sustainable economic growth.
