Proparco, a French development organization that promotes private investment in developing countries, has provided Kenyan re-commerce startup Badili with US$400,000 in debt funding.
Badili, founded in 2021, operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, focusing on the aggregation, repair, and resale of used or damaged mobile phones.
The company utilizes major e-commerce platforms, local trade partners, and mobile network operators (MNOs) to recirculate refurbished smartphones, offering consumers access to high-quality devices from leading brands at reduced prices.
This is achieved through local refurbishment processes.
The US$400,000 in funding, obtained via Proparco’s Bridge by Digital Africa facility, will support Badili in expanding its refurbished smartphone offerings.
This initiative aims to decrease electronic waste and enhance technology accessibility and affordability for consumers, ultimately improving connectivity and promoting sustainable practices in Kenya.
Badili’s founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rishabh Lawania,commented on the partnership with Proparco: “Receiving validation and trust from Proparco is a significant morale boost for our team as we strive to build a sustainable company that enables Africans to own smartphones at a fraction of the cost of new devices. As we transition into a phase of profitability and look to expand into other regions across Africa, it is a great pleasure to welcome one of the most progressive and supportive development finance institutions in the world as a part of Badili’s billion-dollar journey.”
