Proparco, the private-sector financing arm of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group, has announced a new investment in BasiGo, a Nairobi-based electric mobility start-up that is rapidly transforming public transport in East Africa.
The financing is expected to help accelerate the expansion of electric buses in Kenya and Rwanda, positioning the region as one of the fastest-growing e-mobility hubs on the continent.
The investment marks a significant moment for East Africa’s clean transport sector, supporting BasiGo’s mission to scale up affordable, locally assembled electric buses and reduce reliance on diesel-powered public transport.
With more than 100 electric buses currently deployed across Kenya and Rwanda, the company has emerged as a leading player in Africa’s transition to low-carbon mass transit.
BasiGo assembles electric buses locally, develops and operates its own charging infrastructure, and partners with established bus operators to offer a cost-effective alternative to diesel.
According to the company, electric buses deliver wide-ranging benefits including lower emissions, improved road safety, and enhanced public health through reduced air pollution.
Since its launch in 2021, BasiGo has recorded substantial progress in sustainable mobility. The company estimates that each electric bus replaces a diesel unit that would otherwise emit significantly higher levels of CO₂.
On average, a BasiGo bus mitigates more than 50 tonnes of CO₂e annually, helping the region reduce climate-warming emissions by 70–90% compared with traditional diesel buses. In total, the fleet has avoided over 3,000 tonnes of CO₂e to date.
Beyond environmental benefits, electric buses are delivering economic gains for operators. BasiGo reports that 29 transport Sacco partners now benefit from lower operating costs, with some saving up to 40% annually. Collectively, BasiGo buses have completed over 1.5 million kilometres, carrying more than 9 million passengers.
Proparco says its latest funding is aligned with its broader mission of supporting green infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable urban mobility, and helping African cities meet their climate commitments.
Jean Guyomarch–Duprélat, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa, said the investment would help unlock a “cleaner, reliable mass public transport solution” for thousands of commuters.
“By supporting BasiGo, we are helping to unlock a new generation of clean, reliable mass public transport solutions for tens of thousands of passengers in Kenya and Rwanda, and to scale this solution in other African cities,” he said.
“BasiGo’s locally assembled electric buses cut emissions, improve air quality, and support quality jobs—all fully consistent with Proparco’s mandate on the continent and with our commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
BasiGo’s leadership welcomed the investment, describing it as a powerful endorsement of the company’s long-term strategy to scale local production, expand charging networks, and accelerate fleet deployment.
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo, said: “Proparco’s investment is a powerful endorsement of the future we are building for African cities. Since 2021, BasiGo has proven that electric buses deliver stronger economics for operators while avoiding CO₂ emissions and offering a more comfortable experience for passengers.
This support is a strong validation of our model and a catalyst for the next phase of growth: scaling local assembly, expanding our charging network, and accelerating our road to 1,000 electric buses.”
As African cities grapple with rising population growth, heavier traffic congestion, and worsening air pollution, the shift toward clean public transport is becoming increasingly urgent.
Nairobi and Kigali, both facing significant urban mobility challenges, have shown growing interest in e-mobility as part of broader efforts to meet national climate and development goals.
For commuters, the transformation is already visible. Many BasiGo buses have become common fixtures on major routes, offering quieter rides, smoother acceleration, and reduced exhaust fumes, factors that have quickly earned them popularity among passengers.
With Proparco’s support, BasiGo aims to significantly scale its operations, backed by strong demand from operators seeking more efficient and sustainable alternatives to diesel.
The company’s stated ambition is to deploy 1,000 electric buses across the region in the coming years, a move that could reinforce East Africa’s position as a continental leader in low-carbon mobility.
As the climate crisis intensifies, the shift toward sustainable transport solutions is becoming a defining priority for policymakers and investors alike.
Proparco’s investment demonstrates growing confidence in Africa’s clean transport sector and signals a broader global trend toward greener mobility systems.
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