Rwanda to Begin Producing Electric Car Batteries
BasiGo, a company that distributes electric vehicles, has announced that it is the first firm allowed to manufacture and maintain electric car batteries in Rwanda. This partnership with CATL will focus on repairing, recycling, and training local engineers to manage these batteries across Africa.
The announcement marks Rwanda as one of the first countries in Africa to host battery production and maintenance services for electric vehicles (EVs).
BasiGo Partnership with CATL
In a press release, BasiGo confirmed its partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s leading electric battery manufacturer. The deal focuses on:
- Repairing and maintaining CATL batteries across Africa
- Training Rwandans and Kenyans in battery technology
- Recycling used batteries to produce new materials
Saba Azizi, CATL’s Head of Customer Service for Europe, Africa, and Asia, highlighted the importance of this collaboration.
“This partnership ensures that CATL battery repair services will now be available directly in Kenya and Rwanda. It will reduce downtime for vehicles, cut costs, and expand access to sustainable mobility in Africa,” Azizi said.
Why Rwanda Was Chosen
BasiGo’s Chief Executive Officer, Jit Bhattacharya, emphasized that Rwanda and Kenya are becoming strong hubs for electric mobility.
“Batteries are the most important part of electric vehicles, and CATL is the world leader in battery technology. This partnership gives us the ability to monitor and support battery performance in our buses and for all EV users across Africa,” he explained.
Rwanda was selected because of its fast-growing adoption of e-mobility. Electric buses are already transporting passengers in Kigali and some provinces, reducing fuel imports and lowering emissions.
Government Support for Electric Cars
In 2021, the Government of Rwanda introduced tax exemptions for electric vehicles to encourage adoption. This policy reduced the costs of importing EVs while also helping the country cut reliance on fuel imports.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the move is part of Rwanda’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and support climate-friendly transport.
The new battery production in Rwanda will not only support local EV users but also attract investment, create jobs, and make electric transport more affordable in the region.
Regional Impact of Battery Production
The battery center in Rwanda will:
- Improve access to reliable EV batteries
- Create technical jobs for Rwandans and Kenyans
- Reduce waiting time for repairs, which previously required importing batteries
- Promote Africa’s role in the global EV value chain
Experts believe that local battery servicing and recycling will make electric cars more sustainable and affordable for African cities.
Looking Ahead
With this partnership, Rwanda is positioning itself as a regional leader in electric mobility. The country’s commitment to green transport, coupled with BasiGo and CATL’s expertise, could inspire other African nations to follow suit.
As more buses and cars shift to electricity, Rwanda’s new battery production is expected to play a key role in reducing emissions, saving money on fuel imports, and building a cleaner future.
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