Chinese EV maker BYD expands into Rwanda

China’s electric vehicle manufacturer, Build Your Dreams (BYD), has declared its next step of expansion into Rwanda, continuing its growth in East Africa after successfully entering Kenya two years ago. This strategic move aligns perfectly with Rwanda’s emphasis on sustainable development, providing BYD an opportunity to expand its reach of electric models in the continent’s market.

Announcing its entry into Rwanda through an animated tweet, BYD conveyed its readiness and eagerness to spearhead innovation and environmental responsibility. Rwanda, known for its dedication to sustainable growth, presents an ideal setting for BYD’s stylish electric models; this aligns seamlessly with the country’s vision for a greener future.

BYD had a pivotal year in 2023, ending with record-breaking sales volumes that surpassed its annual target of 3 million. This performance underlines BYD’s supremacy in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector and places them among the global top 10 in car sales for the very first time.

In China, BYD remained the top-selling car brand and manufacturer, with impressive December sales of 341,043 units, representing a remarkable 45% boost. The year rounded off with a total of 3,024,417 vehicles sold, displaying a significant 61.9% increase compared to the preceding year.

BYD’s venture into Rwanda forms part of its grand strategy for global expansion and export growth. In 2023, BYD’s presence in international markets experienced a substantial increase, with exports escalating by 334.2% to a total of 242,765 units. Currently, the company has spread its influence across 70 countries spanning six continents.

This global growth is backed by BYD’s technological expertise and commitment to delivering efficient and environmentally friendly mobility solutions to consumers. The company’s prosperity is further underscored by support from top-tier global partners, making BYD’s technology and products a popular choice for consumers worldwide.

In the African market, BYD has established a significant presence. BasiGo, one of East Africa’s early adopters of electric transit services, operates BYD buses. In July 2023, BasiGo expanded its services to Rwanda in response to the country’s fleet shortage.

In another strategic move, Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA), an auto company, announced in March 2023 that it would assemble 130 BYD electric vehicles in Kenya. Earlier in January, BasiGo partnered with AVA to assemble buses in Mombasa, a Kenyan city.

BYD took its first steps into the South African market in July 2023, launching the Standard Range and Extended Range variants of its Atto 3 model. The company further extended its footprint in November, from the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to the Northern Cape.