RWANDA: BBOXX REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO AFRICA

Bboxx, a data-driven super platform, has reiterated its dedication to Africa and commitment to being an Africa-first by moving its headquarters from London to Kigali. Alongside the move from the United Kingdom to Rwanda, the company is also planning to train nearly 500 Rwandans across the coming five years while investing US$100mn into the country.

An engineer installing a solar panel on a roof.As of the start of 2024, Bboxx has impacted the lives of more than 3.6 million people. (Image source: Bboxx)

The announcement, made at the UK-Rwanda Business Forum in Kigali, coincides with the company’s ambitious start to the new year, expanding its impact ten-fold and aiming to reach 36 million people by 2028 – thanks, in large, to a US$100mn partnership with EnerTech.

After establishing its first on-the-ground operations in Rwanda 13 years ago, the company now provides electricity to more than 10% of households in the country and has broadened the range of essential services and products available. In this time, it has also expanded into 11 African markets.

Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, remarked, “Rwanda’s transformation into a hub for tech and innovation is no coincidence; it’s the result of deliberate policies, a conducive business environment, and our commitment to offer a competitive jurisdiction. Bboxx’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Kigali is a welcome decision and aligns with our efforts for Rwanda as a magnet for smart, sustainable investments. Our unique ecosystem offers a fertile ground for companies like Bboxx to innovate and expand, signalling to the world that Rwanda is open for business and ready for the future.”

At the heart of Africa’s energy industry

By moving its HQ to Rwanda, Bboxx is positioning itself at the core of Africa’s rapidly evolving energy and technology sectors and will enhances its access to key markets.

“In our journey to revolutionise access to essential products and services across Africa, it’s only fitting that we position ourselves at the heart of the continent,” commented Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and co-founder of Bboxx. “This move to Kigali not only brings us closer to the communities we serve but also cements our commitment to be an Africa-first, data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential at an unprecedented scale."

This is but the latest in a long string of recent announcements made by the company with highlights including its new partnership with EnerTech, its expansion into Burkina Faso, and the reception of a loan to ramp up clean electrification delivery in Togo.