BasiGo, a leading provider of electric bus solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Rwanda with the introduction of 28 new electric buses. The first batch is currently en route and is expected to arrive in Kigali next month. These buses will serve both city and inter-city routes, marking a major milestone in Rwanda’s shift towards sustainable public transportation.
The company has committed to deploying 100 electric buses across the country in 2025, following the successful acquisition of necessary capital in October last year. This ambitious expansion comes in response to strong demand, with over 360 reservations already placed by Rwandan bus operators seeking to replace aging diesel fleets or expand their operations with eco-friendly alternatives.
Strengthening Charging Infrastructure
To support this large-scale deployment, BasiGo is also investing in its charging infrastructure network. The company is upgrading its Rwandex charging and service depot, which will feature 1 MW of power—enough to charge 25 electric buses overnight. Additionally, more charging stations will be installed across the country to facilitate inter-city operations, ensuring a seamless transition to electric mobility for public transport operators.
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BasiGo’s Pay-As-You-Drive model remains a key enabler for bus operators to transition to electric buses without the financial burden of upfront investments. This model provides a complete package that includes charging, service and maintenance, insurance, and a 90% uptime guarantee, making it easier for operators to integrate electric buses into their fleets.
Commitment to Rwanda’s Sustainable Transport Goals
“BasiGo is proud to be delivering the largest shipment of electric buses to date into Rwanda,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder at BasiGo. “Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable transport has created an ideal environment for private sector investment and innovation in e-mobility. With this first major shipment of electric buses, BasiGo is proud to help Rwanda take a major step towards the goal of universal, electrified public transport.”
BasiGo first introduced its electric bus pilot in Rwanda in December 2023 and has since proven the reliability of its buses and business model. “Over the last 15 months, we have demonstrated the value of our electric buses to Rwandan bus operators. We are confident in our ability to meet the growing demand in this market,” said Doreen Orishaba, Managing Director of BasiGo Rwanda.
Strengthening Leadership for Growth
As part of its expansion, BasiGo has appointed Jones Kizihira as Head of Vehicle Asset Finance. Kizihira, an experienced leader in Rwanda’s public transport sector, will lead the development of financing solutions to accelerate electric bus adoption among local operators. “Jones’ expertise will be instrumental as we rapidly scale our operations,” Orishaba added.
A Greener Future for Rwanda
This expansion positions BasiGo as a key player in Rwanda’s push towards sustainable transportation, aligning with the country’s Vision 2050 goals. The deployment of 100 electric buses is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3,000 tons annually while creating new job opportunities in the local economy. With increasing investment in clean mobility solutions, Rwanda is setting an example for the region in sustainable transport development.
