BasiGo Rwanda has been awarded a RWF 300 million (USD 225,000) recoverable grant from Ireme Invest, the Rwanda Green Fund’s green investment facility. The financing will be used by BasiGo to upgrade its charging infrastructure needed to support its rapidly growing fleet of electric public transport buses in Kigali. A charging station that supports at least 20 E-Buses in one night will be established.
In June 2024, the Rwanda Green Fund announced its first round of investments worth a total of $2.7 million into 16 different companies that are fostering a vibrant circular economy, promoting sustainable cities, supercharging smart mobility and advancing climate-smart agriculture.
“We appreciate Rwanda Green Fund for recognizing BasiGo as one of the key contributors to the country’s ambitious climate action and sustainable development goals. As the market leader in electrifying Rwanda’s bus fleet, we are committed to delivering innovative and reliable Electric Bus solutions. Our BasiGo electric buses have over the last seven months of operation demonstrated the new standard for safe, comfortable, and low-carbon public transportation solutions and helped to reduce emissions,” said Doreen Orishaba, BasiGo Rwanda Managing Director.
Potential for scalability
BasiGo Rwanda is listed among nine innovative businesses offering solutions with high potential for scalability, financial sustainability, and positive environmental and economic impact across three of Ireme Invest’s investment areas. The funding was made possible through the support of the Danish International Development Agency and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
According to a statement from the Rwanda Green Fund, BasiGo is among the companies contributing to the country’s ambitious climate action and sustainable development goals.
Electrifying Rwanda
In December 2023, BasiGo introduced the R10 Rumuri, Kigali’s first fully electric bus with a capacity of 70 passengers. This aligns with the Government of Rwanda’s initiative to rapidly scale Kigali’s public transport fleet while also aiming to convert 20 per cent of the public bus fleet to electric by 2030.
“Rwanda has established itself as a leader in E-mobility on the African continent. Our experience and innovative Pay-As-You-Drive financing model are well-positioned to help Rwanda transition to fully electrified public transport, reducing fuel imports and helping Rwanda meet its ambitious greenhouse gas mitigation targets,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo.
As of July 2024, BasiGo E-buses in Kigali had registered:
▪ 107,000 Electric kilometers driven
▪ 385,125 passengers ferried
▪ >60 Tonnes of CO2 mitigated
▪ 26,662 liters of diesel avoided
▪ 100% uptime recorded
▪ > 147 million Rwandan Francs in fare revenue generated for the Operators.