Launch of the KL-9, a new electric bus for Kenya designed by King Long. Photo/Courtesy.
Proparco has completed an investment in BasiGo, a Nairobi-based e-mobility start-up spearheading the transition to electric public transport in Kenya and Rwanda.
The funding is expected to accelerate the rollout of electric buses and support the company’s expansion across the region.
BasiGo is emerging as a leader in electric bus mobility in Africa, with more than 100 electric buses already deployed in Kenya and Rwanda.
The company locally assembles its buses, builds and operates charging infrastructure, and partners with public transport operators to offer a cost-effective alternative to diesel buses.
Since 2021, BasiGo has delivered significant climate and public health outcomes. Each electric bus reduces CO₂ emissions by 70–90 percent compared to diesel buses, while also improving road safety and reducing air pollution.
Key impact metrics include:
Buses deployed: More than 100 electric buses in Kenya and Rwanda.
Climate: Over 3,000 tCO₂e avoided to date, with each electric bus mitigating more than 50 tCO₂e annually.
Beneficiaries: 29 SACCOs benefiting from approximately 40% annual operating cost savings.
Clean kilometres driven: Over 1.5 million kilometres, transporting more than 9 million passengers.
Speaking on the strategic importance of this investment, Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Regional Director for East Africa at Proparco, said Proparco sees BasiGo as a catalyst for transforming urban mobility in Africa.
He emphasized the alignment between BasiGo’s work and Proparco’s broader climate and development mandate.
“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. 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.” Guyonnet-Duperat said.
BasiGo CEO and Co-Founder Jit Bhattacharya welcomed the investment, noting its strategic importance for the company’s growth trajectory.
“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 delivering a comfortable experience for passengers. It 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 1000 electric buses.” Bhattacharya noted.
