Grace Ashiru
BasiGo, a Kenyan startup specialising in electric mobility, recently unveiled its plans to venture into the Rwandan market as part of its growth strategy. This development comes on the heels of the formation of BasiGo Rwanda Ltd, a subsidiary dedicated to facilitating the transition of the public transport system to electric power.
Besides minimising carbon emissions, these electric buses might resolve Rwanda’s public transport problem. Escalating fuel prices have necessitated the removal of numerous buses from service, consequently making public transport less accessible for many residents.
The startup has announced that the first set of electric buses will reach the country by October of this year. By 2024, the aim is to have 200 buses in operation. The debut fleet will be piloted with certain transport providers in Kigali for testing.
BasiGo has also collaborated with AC Mobility, specialising in intelligent transportation solutions. As AC Mobility is a significant entity in the country’s public transport industry, the alliance is anticipated to generate positive outcomes. BasiGo highlighted that this partnership will expedite Rwanda’s shift to electric mobility.
BasiGo has declared its intention to implement a Pay-As-You-Drive financial plan to ensure affordability for prospective partners. In line with this, several major public bus operators and both companies have inked letters of intent for the trial phase set for October.
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-founder of BasiGo, spoke on the prospective expansion into another East African market, remarking that Rwanda presented one of the most favourable conditions for electric mobility. He expressed that
In reference to the financing model, Bhattacharya asserted that the Pay-As-You-Drive approach would facilitate the adoption of electric mobility due to its cost-effectiveness. This scheme has already proven successful in Kenya, the company’s home base, where they operate a fleet of 19 electric buses in collaboration with public bus operators. Besides the buses, BasiGo also provides charging equipment and maintenance services to support the budding sector.
Speaking for AC Mobility, CEO Jones Kizihira articulated the company’s enthusiasm to collaborate with BasiGo in electrifying the country’s public transport. In light of Rwanda’s recent progress, he observed that it has become crucial to overhaul the transport system for enhanced efficiency.
Rwanda’s government supports the initiative.
As nations worldwide turn to electric mobility to diminish their carbon footprint, there’s a growing call for more African countries to adopt this concept. Introducing electric buses implies a decreased reliance on petrol, leading to a potential price reduction. This will enable bus operators to offer services at fair prices and realise savings on maintenance costs.
Clare Akamazi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, warmly welcomed BasiGo, asserting that this partnership will “fast-track the decarbonisation of the sector in Rwanda while also alleviating the current public transport shortage.” Furthermore, she reiterated the RDB’s commitment to fostering a profitable environment for electric mobility solutions in the country.
