Kigali, Rwanda’s rapidly developing capital, has officially inaugurated a new generation of smart electric buses, marking a significant stride towards modernizing its public transport system. This initiative, launched in partnership with BasiGo and other global collaborators, is a cornerstone of the city’s broader vision to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in urban mobility.
The introduction of these fully electric buses, equipped with modern technology such as free Wi-Fi, real-time GPS tracking, and cashless payment systems, represents a tangible commitment to Kigali’s “Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy” (GGCRS). Each bus is designed to accommodate up to 70 passengers, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality in the bustling city.
“This is a big step for our city. We want to give people safe, clean, and reliable transport that matches our future vision,” stated Mayor Pudence Rubingisa during the launch, underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative.
A comprehensive approach to urban mobility
The electric bus rollout is a key component of the ambitious Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement (RUMI) Project, a $100 million initiative backed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), with co-financing from the European Union and the European Investment Bank.
This project, which builds on the earlier Kigali Urban Mobility Improvement (KUMI) initiative, aims to address critical challenges in Kigali’s public transportation, including overcrowded services, traffic congestion, and limited pedestrian infrastructure.
Key interventions under RUMI include the development of a modern multimodal transit hub in Nyabugogo, projected to serve up to 180,000 passengers daily by 2030. The project also involves the introduction of dedicated bus lanes and the expansion of sidewalks and cycling paths to improve last-mile connectivity.
Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, emphasized that the RUMI project will “unlock access to jobs and services, particularly for women and youth, and support Kigali’s ambition to become a public transport–oriented and climate-smart city.” Currently, only about one-third of jobs in Kigali are accessible within an hour via public transport, a figure the project aims to drastically improve.
Environmental and economic dividends
The transition to electric buses is expected to yield substantial environmental and economic benefits. Road transport currently accounts for 13% of Rwanda’s total greenhouse gas emissions, a figure projected to rise. By promoting electric mobility, Kigali aims to significantly reduce urban air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
BasiGo, a key partner in this transition, reports that its electric buses have already driven over 4.7 million kilometers in East Africa, avoiding more than 2,100 tons of CO2 emissions and saving over 948,000 liters of diesel. For Rwanda, the introduction of 100 electric buses could save over $23 million in fuel import costs over a decade.
Beyond environmental gains, the project is anticipated to create new employment opportunities in bus driving, technical maintenance of electric vehicles, and customer service roles, contributing to local economic growth. BasiGo is actively hiring E-Bus Technicians in Kigali to manage the servicing and repairs of both buses and charging stations.
Scaling up and regional inspiration
The new electric buses have commenced operations on pilot routes, including Nyabugogo to Kabuga. The city has ambitious plans to expand the fleet, aiming to have over 200 electric buses operational by the end of 2026. BasiGo, which has already deployed 84 buses in East Africa, plans to have 1,000 electric buses in operation across the region within the next three years, with 100 planned for Rwanda by 2025.
This initiative is expected to solidify Kigali’s reputation as a leader in smart urban development and green initiatives across Africa. By demonstrating a viable model for sustainable public transport, Kigali officials hope to inspire other African cities to adopt similar greener transport systems, contributing to a broader continental shift towards low-carbon urban mobility.
The move aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the Kigali City Master Plan, which envisions an integrated, equitable transport system serving 80% of the population within a 10-minute walk of a public transport facility by 2030.
The commitment to electric mobility is further supported by government incentives, including tax breaks on electric vehicles and charging equipment, and land provision for charging stations, making Rwanda a conducive environment for green transport investments.
