This strategic shift comes alongside a $100 million investment pledge in the East African nation and a partnership with Kuwait’s EnerTech to train 500 Rwandans over the next five years.
The announcement, made at the UK-Rwanda Business Forum, coincides with Bboxx’s ambitious goal of reaching 36 million people by 2028, a tenfold increase from its current impact.
Operating in 11 African markets, including Nigeria and Togo, the company already provides clean energy solutions to roughly 3.5 million people.
Bboxx, self-described as a “data-driven super platform,” utilizes an integrated operating system and extensive on-the-ground network to offer households, businesses, and communities affordable access to life-changing solutions.
Founded in 2010, the company has become a major player in Africa’s energy sector, even pioneering the continent’s first solar energy payment subsidy program in Togo back in 2019.
This headquarters relocation positions Bboxx at the heart of Africa’s burgeoning tech scene. Kigali, in particular, has attracted numerous African tech players, including MPost, a digital addressing startup that recently moved its operations to the city’s Norrsken House.
This co-working space, which opened in 2021, has seen established names like InstaDeep and PesaChoice setting up shop, further solidifying Kigali’s reputation as an innovation hub.
“This move to Kigali not only brings us closer to the communities we serve but also cements our commitment to being an Africa-first, data-driven super platform,” stated Mansoor Hamayun, Bboxx CEO and co-founder.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, welcomed the move, highlighting Rwanda’s deliberate efforts to cultivate a supportive environment for technology and innovation. “Bboxx’s decision is a testament to our commitment to attracting smart, sustainable investments,” he said. “We are confident that their presence will further propel Rwanda’s growth and showcase our nation as a hub for the future.”
Egyptian fintech Zeal has secured a $4 million investment, led by Raed Ventures and Cur8 Capital.
African agri-food startups can now apply for the THRIVE Global Accelerator Program, a 12-week program designed to support seed through Series A companies and prepare them for growth and scalability.
South Africa’s RecoMed, a leading digital healthcare marketplace, has secured a significant investment from Japanese pharmaceutical giant Eisai.
© 2021 Empower Africa. All rights reserved.