BasiGo Rwanda, an electric vehicle (EV) company, has secured a notable RWF 300 million ($225,000) recoverable grant from Ireme Invest, the investment arm of the Rwanda Green Fund. This grant is aimed at enhancing the company’s electric charging infrastructure to support the growing fleet of electric public transport buses in Kigali. As part of this initiative, BasiGo will construct a new charging facility capable of servicing a minimum of 20 electric buses overnight.
Strategic Growth and Funding Milestones
BasiGo’s expansion into Rwanda from Kenya has been marked by strategic milestones, including the introduction of 200 electric buses to Rwandan transport operators through its innovative Pay-As-You-Drive financing model. The company also received funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and secured a substantial equity investment from the CFAO Group to scale up its operations in both Kenya and Rwanda.
Commitment to Sustainable Solutions
Doreen Orishaba, Managing Director of BasiGo Rwanda, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly public transport solutions that contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. CEO and Co-Founder Jit Bhattacharya emphasized BasiGo’s support for Rwanda’s transition to a fully electrified public transport system, with the Pay-As-You-Drive model playing a crucial role in this shift.
Innovative Contributions and Environmental Impact
BasiGo Rwanda’s introduction of R10 Rumuri, Kigali’s first fully electric bus, reflects the company’s alignment with the Rwandan government’s efforts to expand sustainable public transport options. Additionally, the company’s electric vehicles have already served over 300,000 passengers in Kigali by July 2024, leading to significant environmental benefits such as the reduction of over 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions and the avoidance of using 26,662 litres of diesel. Recognized for its impact on climate action and sustainable development, BasiGo is poised to continue driving positive change in Rwanda’s transportation sector.