· Company shifts HQ from London to Kigali
· Bboxx planning to train over 1,000 Rwandans in next 5 years and invest more than $100 million in the country
· Welcomed by Rwanda Development Board
. Places Bboxx at the heart of Africa’s innovation ecosystem and closer to its customers
Bboxx, the data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential by connecting consumers and deploying innovative products across Africa, has reinforced its dedication to the continent with a strategic move of its Headquarters from London to Kigali, reaffirming its commitment as an Africa-first company.
This decision, announced today at the UK-Rwanda Business Forum in Kigali, underscores Bboxx’s commitment to Africa to serve, innovate, and grow in the “heart of the continent”, with Bboxx planning to train nearly 500 more Rwandans in the next 5 years and invest USD$100 million in the country. The announcement coincides with an ambitious new year as the Company’s impact is set to expand tenfold – with an aim of reaching 36 million people by 2028 – thanks to a USD$100 million partnership with Kuwaiti investment company EnerTech, announced in December 2023.[1]
Bboxx has grown significantly since it first began tackling the challenge of energy poverty in Africa. The Company was founded in 2010 by three friends who graduated from Imperial College and established its first on-the-ground operations in Rwanda. In the 13 years since, it has expanded into 11 African markets – including providing electricity to more than 10% of Rwanda’s households – and has broadened the range of essential products and services from solar energy to include pay-as-you go clean cooking solutions, water pumps, smartphones, and even electric vehicles.
Simultaneously, Rwanda has modernised and transformed immeasurably over the past 20 years, making it an opportune place for the Company to base itself, with many business-friendly policies including the Kigali International Financial Centre and upcoming Start-up Act. Rwanda is a home to a growing pool of tech and engineering talent, and is a prime location for growth and investment. Kigali also offers easy access to the rest of Africa thanks to Rwandair, its national carrier. By moving its HQ and managing its operations in 11 countries from Kigali, Bboxx is positioning itself at the core of Africa’s rapidly evolving energy and technology sectors, enhancing access to key markets, and reaffirming Bboxx’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.
Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, said:
“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.”
In addition, being closer to its customers allows Bboxx to better understand and meet the unique needs of every household and business it serves. This transition embodies Bboxx’s promise to stay rooted in the communities it serves, ensuring reliable and innovative solutions to the challenges they face.
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and Co-Founder of Bboxx, said:
“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. 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.”
With Rwanda a member of the Commonwealth, and with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the UK is a key development partner of the country.
Omar Daair, High Commissioner to Rwanda, said:
“The UK’s partnership with Rwanda is built on shared values and a mutual commitment to sustainable development. Bboxx’s move to Kigali is a reflection of this strong relationship and exemplifies the UK’s ongoing support for African innovation. As Bboxx begins its next chapter in Africa, we are proud to have played a role in their journey and look forward to continuing our partnership to foster prosperity and transformation across the continent.”
Bboxx’s move is a testament to the strong partnerships it has fostered with African governments, including the Government of Rwanda, underlining its shared commitment to electrify the continent and enable the economic empowerment of remote communities. It demonstrates Bboxx’s vision for a brighter, more sustainable African future.
