BasiGo, an e-bus provider in Rwanda, has partnered with Virunga Express Ltd and Kigali Coach Tour & Travel Ltd to launch the first electric buses in Musanze District. This important event marks another step in bringing clean, modern and reliable public transport to Rwanda’s Northern Province especially touristic town of Musanze.
The launch event was held at Musanze Bus Park, where the two bus companies received their first electric buses from BasiGo. These buses will begin operating on the busy Musanze–Kigali route. This pilot program is part of a larger plan to expand electric mobility across the country.
“We are truly delighted to welcome these 100% electric buses to Musanze. This is a historic milestone for our district,” said Uwanyirigira Clarisse, Musanze District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development.
“It is the first time we are receiving such environmentally friendly transportation. As Rwanda’s premier touristic destination, Musanze is committed to preserving our natural beauty. These buses not only represent progress and job creation, but also reinforce our dedication to sustainable development and protecting the environment for generations to come,” she added.
The new buses come equipped with wheelchair ramps, USB charging ports, onboard Wi-Fi, and quiet electric engines, offering a comfortable and inclusive ride. They are powered by renewable energy and supported by BasiGo’s fast-charging stations, allowing for clean and cost-effective service.
In her remarks, Ms. Doreen Orishaba, Managing Director of BasiGo Rwanda, said: “Today marks more than just the launch of electric buses in Musanze, it signals a new chapter in Rwanda’s journey toward sustainable mobility. At BasiGo, we believe clean transport is not a luxury, but a necessity for resilient economies and thriving communities. Musanze, as Rwanda’s touristic gem, deserves transport solutions that preserve its natural beauty while creating green jobs and reducing emissions. We are proud to partner with the Government of Rwanda and the private sector to make safe, affordable, and climate-smart mobility a reality for Rwandans.”
Passengers in Musanze welcomed the new buses with excitement, noting their comfort and the improvement in air quality. They also praised the safety features, such as onboard cameras, which they believe will help reduce theft.
This launch follows similar successful rollouts in Muhanga and Kayonza Districts and is part of BasiGo’s mission to grow electric transport across Rwanda. This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 sustainability goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote green transportation solutions.
BasiGo’s vision is to have 1,000 electric buses on East Africa’s roads by 2027, bringing clean, modern, and accessible transport to every corner of the country.
