As electric wheels begin turning between cities, Rwanda is not just moving passengers; it is moving the nation closer to a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future, one sustainable route at a time.
By Staff Writer
In a major step toward nationwide sustainable transport, electric mobility company BasiGo has launched Rwanda’s first intercity electric bus service, connecting Muhanga, Kigali, Nyanza, and Huye. This initiative is more than a milestone; it is a scalable solution to Rwanda’s pressing transport and climate challenges.
At the heart of the project is a fleet of 12 electric buses handed over to long-time transport operator Volcano Express. Purpose-built for accessibility and zero emissions, these buses are not only reducing the carbon footprint of public transport – they are also proving that inclusive, clean, and modern transit is viable beyond urban centres.
To ensure operational efficiency, BasiGo is establishing a fast-charging DC station in Muhanga, solving one of the critical bottlenecks in scaling electric transport: reliable charging infrastructure. This station will support quick turnarounds, minimize downtime, and serve as a prototype for future intercity hubs across the country.
“This launch demonstrates that electric mobility is not only viable in Kigali but can transform transportation across Rwanda. Our goal is to build a cleaner, more inclusive public transport system, one province at a time,” said Doreen Orishaba, CEO of BasiGo Rwanda.
The launch also tackles another systemic barrier: the need for local industry and skills development. As part of its regional scale-up, BasiGo is investing proceeds from a $42 million Series A funding round, raised in October 2024, into local production, workforce training, and public-private partnerships. This capital will help build 1,000 electric buses for East Africa, strengthen Kenya’s industrial base, and deepen Rwanda’s green transport ecosystem.
Importantly, BasiGo’s model is structured to bring traditional transport operators into the clean mobility future. By partnering with companies like Volcano Express, the company avoids displacing existing players, instead offering them a path to transition sustainably through leasing models, training, and revenue-sharing structures.
This intercity electric route is just the beginning. With planned expansions into Southern, Eastern, Western, and Northern provinces, BasiGo is laying the groundwork for a national green transport network. The company’s approach, combining innovative financing, regional manufacturing, and inclusive partnerships, offers a replicable framework for clean public mobility across Africa.
A sustainable roadmap forward:
- Emission-free, accessible transport for urban and rural passengers.
- Strategic charging hubs to support intercity travel.
- Local job creation and technical training to support a green workforce.
- Partnerships with existing operators to foster industry-wide transition.
With each electric mile, Rwanda moves closer to a future where clean transport is not just a city trend, but a national standard.
