Ramping up e-buses for public transport in Rwanda

BasiGo, a leading e-mobility startup, has made significant strides in revolutionizing the public transport sector in Rwanda with its innovative approach to sustainable transportation. The company recently launched two electric buses in Kigali, with plans to expand its fleet to two hundred buses by the end of 2024. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Flora Limukii sat down with Doreen Orishaba, the Managing Director of BasiGo Rwanda, to delve into the company's strategy for aligning with Rwanda's sustainable goals and overcoming key barriers in the market. BasiGo's entry into the Rwandan market comes at a crucial time, as the country grapples with a public transport crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage of buses has led to long queues and inefficiencies in the transportation system, prompting a demand for innovative solutions. Orishaba highlighted that BasiGo saw this as an opportunity to address the shortage of buses while also supporting the government's push towards sustainable mobility. The Managing Director outlined four main barriers that BasiGo aims to tackle in the market. Firstly, the company focuses on designing electric buses tailored to the African market, leveraging its engineering expertise to meet the specific demands of the region. Secondly, BasiGo addresses the high upfront costs of electric vehicles through a unique financing model called 'pay as you drive,' enabling bus operators to access these vehicles with a low upfront lease deposit. Moreover, charging infrastructure is a critical aspect of electric vehicles, and BasiGo ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the operation of its buses. Orishaba emphasized the importance of efficient and powerful chargers to meet the energy demands of the buses and minimize charging times. Finally, BasiGo prioritizes service and maintenance to ensure the smooth operation of its zero tailpipe emission vehicles. In the context of Rwanda's sustainable development goals, Orishaba underscored BasiGo's role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. With transport contributing significantly to emissions in the country, electric buses offer a green alternative that helps mitigate CO2 emissions and align with Rwanda's targets for emission reduction. By introducing zero-emission vehicles, BasiGo is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable transport system in Rwanda. Additionally, BasiGo's partnership with AC Mobility for e-ticketing services enhances inclusivity and convenience for passengers, promoting cashless payments and accountability in the transport sector. The integration of tap and go technology streamlines the payment process for passengers while enabling operators to track revenue and improve operational efficiency. Overall, BasiGo's innovative approach to e-mobility in Rwanda not only addresses the pressing challenges in the public transport sector but also contributes to the country's sustainability goals. By offering zero-emission electric buses, efficient charging infrastructure, and inclusive payment solutions, BasiGo is at the forefront of transforming the transportation landscape in Rwanda and driving towards a greener and more sustainable future.