Badili, a refurbished smartphone vendor, has raised $400,000 in debt investment from Proparco to support its refurbished electronics business in a move to reduce its electronic waste and providing consumers with affordable devices.
Badili says it will use the funding to enhance smartphone access, improve connectivity, and promote sustainability in Kenya. Supported by Digital Africa and deployed by Proparco, the Bridge by Digital Africa facility enables young innovative African companies to benefit from bridging finance of up to 24 months to accelerate their development between two rounds of financing.
According to Rishabh Lawania, Founder and CEO at Badili, “Getting validation and trust from PROPARCO is a great boost to the morale of the team that is building a sustainable company that enables Africans to own smartphones for a fraction of the cost of a new one. As we enter into the phase of profitability and expansion into other regions across Africa; it’s a great pleasure to welcome one of the most progressive and supportive DFI in the world as a part of Badili’s billion dollar journey”.
Badili provides an innovative service by repurposing electronic devices for distribution across Africa, thus reducing the environmental impact by limiting the exploitation of natural resources and promoting the reuse of valuable materials. By improving access to affordable technology, Badili opens up opportunities for communities. This project contributes to Proparco’s mission by promoting responsible environmental practices, and expanding socio-economic opportunities in Kenya and across Africa. It addresses key challenges such as reducing electronic waste, conserving natural resources, and improving digital inclusion for marginalised communities. The increasing ownership of smartphones helps to foster local economic resilience, offering more people access to essential online services such as mobile payments, education platforms, and telemedicine. By making tools affordable for low-income users, Badili participates in improving digital inclusion and connectivity.
“Badili’s initiative to refurbishing smartphones locally in Kenya is a game-changer. This project not only promotes economic resilience but also underscores the importance of sustainability in today’s digital economy. Proparco is proud to support a venture that directly aligns with our objectives of fostering environmental responsibility, economic opportunity, and social inclusion in Africa,” said Fabrice Perez, head of the Venture Capital Division at Proparco.
For Proparco, this collaboration with Badili represents a significant step towards addressing the global challenges of reducing electronic waste and the exploitation of mineral resources while also empowering individuals and communities through increased digital access. The financing highlights Proparco’s commitment to fostering sustainable solutions that align with its broader vision of supporting economic development and environmental stewardship across Africa. Proparco remains dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative projects that promote both social impact and ecological responsibility.
