BasiGo, a leading East African e-mobility start-up, has secured new funding from Proparco to scale electric bus adoption across rapidly growing cities in Kenya, Rwanda, and beyond. The investment marks a significant milestone for Africa’s transition to clean, modern, and reliable public transport.
Founded in 2021, BasiGo provides locally assembled electric buses, charging infrastructure, and a Pay-As-You-Drive model that makes electric mobility accessible and cost-effective for public transport operators. The company has already deployed 100 electric buses in Kenya and Rwanda—making it one of the continent’s trailblazers in mass e-mobility.
Driving Low-Carbon Urban Mobility
The new funding forms part of Proparco’s wider mission to support low-carbon transport solutions globally, with the AFD Group investing around €1 billion per year into sustainable mobility projects. Proparco’s investment will enable BasiGo to expand local assembly, strengthen its charging network, and accelerate its goal of deploying 1,000 electric buses across African cities.
Electric buses offer transformative environmental benefits, reducing CO₂ emissions by 70–90% compared to diesel buses, while significantly lowering air pollution, noise, and operating costs.
Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, said: “By supporting BasiGo, we are helping unlock a new generation of clean, reliable mass public transport solutions for tens of thousands of passengers in Kenya and Rwanda. BasiGo’s locally assembled electric buses cut emissions, improve air quality, and support quality jobs—fully aligned with Proparco’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
Catalysing the Road to 1,000 Electric Buses
With Proparco’s support, BasiGo is now well-positioned to accelerate its scale-up, boost local manufacturing capacity, expand its charging footprint, and meet the rising demand for clean transport solutions.
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo, said: “Proparco’s investment is a powerful endorsement of the future we’re building for African cities. Electric buses deliver stronger economics for operators while avoiding CO₂ emissions and offering a comfortable experience for passengers. This support is a catalyst for our Road to 1000 electric buses.”
