The ninth edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from Thursday to Friday. Organized under the theme “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth – How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?”, the event attracted 1,700 aviation professionals and more than 100 companies showcasing cutting‑edge products.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame opened the summit, noting that the high cost of air travel remains a major barrier to tourism and connectivity across the continent. He called on governments and industry leaders to work together to make aviation more affordable and sustainable, stressing that opening Africa’s skies is essential for citizens, businesses, and the broader economy.
A highlight of the exhibition was the EH216‑S, a pilotless passenger‑carrying aerial vehicle from Chinese urban‑air‑mobility firm EHang. The electric vertical take‑off and land (eVTL) 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 enthusiasm for the technology’s potential on the continent. The EH216‑S can carry two passengers with a maximum payload of 220 kg, cruise at up to 130 km/h, and operate below 1,000 m altitude. It holds a type certificate, production licence, and standard airworthiness certificate, making it the world’s first eVTOL to achieve this combination.
Africa accounts for roughly 17 percent of the global population but less than five percent of worldwide air‑transport volume, highlighting a substantial gap and a huge opportunity for low‑altitude economic development. The summit provided a platform for industry professionals to discuss these challenges, explore growth opportunities, and emphasize the importance of collaboration and innovation in unlocking Africa’s aviation potential and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Comments are closed for this story.