Electric mobility solutions provider BasiGo has launched the first intercity electric bus line in Rwanda.
The line will connect Muhanga to Kigali, Nyanza, and Huye. This launch builds on the experience gained in Kigali and is part of a broader strategy for expansion into other provinces of the country.
Twelve buses have been handed over to the long-time partner, Volcano Express, which will operate this fleet on high-traffic routes. These emission-free buses, designed to be accessible for people with reduced mobility, aim to set a new standard for intercity transportation in Rwanda.
To support this new service, BasiGo has begun installing a fast-charging DC station in Muhanga to ensure efficient and reliable rotations.
“We are excited to bring the future of transportation to Muhanga. This launch demonstrates that electric mobility is not only viable in Kigali but can also be extended to the entire Rwandan transport ecosystem. Our goal is to provide efficient, clean, and inclusive transport options for every province in Rwanda, and we are just getting started,” said Doreen Orishaba, CEO of BasiGo Rwanda, as quoted by the Ecofin agency.
This project is part of the first phase of BasiGo’s national expansion, which plans to deploy in the Southern, Eastern, Western, and Northern provinces.
The start-up, co-founded in 2021, raised $42 million in October 2024 as part of a Series A funding round. This capital is aimed at producing 1,000 electric buses in East Africa, strengthening industrial capabilities in Kenya, and accelerating entry into new markets like Rwanda.
By combining structured financing, regional industrialization, and local partnerships, the company aims to establish a new model for clean and profitable public transport. However, its success will depend on its ability to overcome several challenges, including the deployment of intercity charging infrastructure, training the local workforce, and gaining the acceptance of traditional transport operators to these new economic models.
