Paris-based development finance institution Proparco has completed an investment in Africa’s leading electric bus mobility company, BasiGo, a move that is set to accelerate the adoption of electric buses in East Africa.
The Nairobi-based e-mobility company has deployed over 100 electric buses across Kenya and Rwanda. BasiGo assembles electric buses, develops and operates charging infrastructure, and partners with bus operators to provide cost-effective electric mobility solutions for the public transport sector.
Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, Jean Guyannet-Dupérat, hailed the investment as an initiative that will help unlock a new generation of clean, reliable mass public transport solutions for passengers in Kenya and Rwanda, with plans to scale into other African markets.
Since 2021, BasiGo has played a key role in climate mitigation, with electric buses reducing CO₂ emissions by an estimated 70% – 90% compared to diesel buses. The company has also enhanced road safety and improved public health by reducing air pollution. To date, its electric buses have covered more than 1.5 million clean kilometres and transported over 9 million passengers. Additionally, 29 SACCOs have benefited from buses that deliver approximately 40% annual operating cost savings.
BasiGo and Proparco Stakeholder’s remarks
“BasiGO’s locally assembled electric buses cut emissions, improve air quality, and support quality jobs -fully consistent with Proparco’s mandate on the continent, the Choose Africa Initiative, and our commitments under the Paris Agreement,” said Mr. Guyannet.
“Since 2021, BasiGo has proven that electric buses deliver stronger economics for operations while avoiding CO2 emissions and delivering a comfortable experience for passengers. It is strong validation of our model and a catalyst for the next phase growth scaling local assembly, expanding our charging network, and accelerating our road network to 1000 electric buses,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder BasiGo.
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