BasiGo Launches Rwanda’s First Electric Intercity Bus Route, Connecting Muhanga to Kigali, Nyanza & Huye
New electric buses will connect Muhanga to Kigali, Nyanza, and Huye, offering zero-emission, comfortable, and inclusive transport to Rwanda’s Southern Province.
BasiGo will set up new DC fast chargers in Muhanga to support reliable inter-city operations.
MUHANGA, RWANDA – May 8, 2025: BasiGo, the leading provider of electric bus solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, has officially launched Rwanda’s first electric intercity bus route, connecting Muhanga to Kigali, Nyanza, and Huye. This landmark deployment marks the beginning of BasiGo’s intercity expansion and a bold step forward in Rwanda’s transition to zero-emission, inclusive public transport. The launch builds on the successful rollout of electric buses in Kigali and reflects BasiGo’s long-term vision for sustainable mobility across the country.
As part of this launch, BasiGo officially handed over 12 electric buses to long-time partner Volcano Express, which will operate the new fleet on high-demand intercity routes. The buses, locally operated and maintained, are fully equipped with wheelchair ramps, improved passenger comfort features, and zero emissions, setting a new standard for public transport in Rwanda.
“We are excited to bring the future of transport to Muhanga,” said Doreen Orishaba, Managing Director, BasiGo Rwanda. “This launch demonstrates that electric mobility is not only viable in Kigali but also scalable across Rwanda’s entire transport ecosystem. Our goal is to provide efficient, clean, and inclusive transport options for every province in Rwanda, and we are just getting started”.
To support these operations, BasiGo is installing a DC fast charger in Muhanga to enable efficient vehicle turnaround and reliable performance on long-distance routes. This investment ensures that clean, electric mobility is not only accessible but also practical for operators nationwide. It reflects Rwanda’s commitment to transitioning toward sustainable transport systems that reduce emissions, promote energy independence, and ensure equitable access to clean transportation for all citizens.
Speaking at the launch event at Muhanga Taxi Park, Dr. Igabe Egide, Managing Director of Volcano Express said “Using electric buses has many benefits. First, as a Rwandan, I’m happy these buses don’t pollute the environment. We’ve always been reminded to keep our country clean, but as transporters, we sometimes pollute with our vehicles. Volcano has been in this business for 25 years—we know we must protect the environment. These electric buses are helping us do just that.”
This launch represents a significant milestone in Phase I of BasiGo’s national expansion, which includes deployments across the Southern (Muhanga & Huye), Eastern (Nyagatare, Kayonza & Rusumo), Western (Rubavu), and Northern (Musanze & Burera) provinces. By building the ecosystem for electric public transport, including infrastructure, vehicles, and operator partnerships, BasiGo is helping to accelerate climate action, job creation, and inclusive economic growth across Rwanda.
