Quick Read: Badili, a Kenyan re-commerce startup, has raised $400,000 in debt funding from Proparco to expand its refurbished smartphone business in East Africa. The company focuses on repairing and reselling used mobile phones, making technology more affordable and reducing electronic waste. The investment will help enhance smartphone accessibility, improve connectivity, and promote sustainability in Kenya and beyond.
Badili Raises $400,000 in Debt Funding
Kenyan re-commerce startup Badili has successfully secured US$400,000 in debt funding from Proparco, a French development organization focused on promoting private investment in developing nations.
Expanding in East Africa
Founded in 2021, Badili has quickly gained traction in the East African market, with operations spanning Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The company specializes in the aggregation, repair, and resale of used or damaged mobile phones, offering a sustainable and affordable solution for consumers in the region.
Refurbished Smartphones at Affordable Prices
Badili works with major e-commerce platforms, local trade partners, and mobile network operators (MNOs) to reintroduce refurbished devices into the market. By leveraging local refurbishment processes, the company ensures that consumers have access to high-quality smartphones from top brands at significantly lower prices compared to new models.
Funding to Drive Expansion and Sustainability
The US$400,000 funding, provided through Proparco’s Bridge by Digital Africa facility, will support Badili’s efforts to expand its range of refurbished smartphones. This initiative aligns with the company’s mission to reduce electronic waste while making technology more accessible and affordable for consumers.
The investment is expected to enhance smartphone accessibility, improve connectivity across the region, and promote sustainable practices in Kenya’s mobile phone industry.
CEO Expresses Excitement Over Partnership
Rishabh Lawania, founder and CEO of Badili, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration with Proparco.
“Receiving validation and trust from Proparco is a significant morale boost for our team as we strive to build a sustainable company that enables Africans to own smartphones at a fraction of the cost of new devices. As we transition into a phase of profitability and look to expand into other regions across Africa, it is a great pleasure to welcome one of the most progressive and supportive development finance institutions in the world as part of Badili’s billion-dollar journey.”
With this new funding, Badili is poised for further growth, reinforcing its commitment to affordability, sustainability, and technological advancement in Africa’s mobile phone market.
