ELECTRIFYING AFRICA: BASIGO'S LEAP FROM GSA WINNER TO CONTINENTAL EV INFRASTRUCTURE LEADER
BasiGo's journey from Global Winner in GSA edition 10 to becoming CATL's chosen partner for Sub-Saharan Africa demonstrates how startup recognition can translate into real-world impact. The Kenyan electric mobility pioneer has just been appointed as the authorized service agent for the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, a partnership that could reshape Africa's transportation landscape.
This strategic appointment positions BasiGo at the center of the continent's electric mobility revolution.
BRIDGING THE SERVICE GAP
The partnership tackles one of Africa's biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoption: reliable battery maintenance. Through their new role, BasiGo's teams in Kenya and Rwanda will receive direct training from CATL, gaining access to specialized diagnostic tools, spare parts, and technical expertise previously unavailable on the continent.
This local service capability addresses a critical barrier to electric vehicle adoption across Africa.
BUILDING AFRICA’S BACKBONE
What makes this partnership particularly significant is how it positions a GSA alumni company as the foundation for an entire industry's growth. CATL batteries power not just BasiGo's buses, but a growing ecosystem of electric vehicles across Africa. By becoming the regional service hub, BasiGo is essentially building the technical infrastructure that will enable mass EV adoption.
"This is a major milestone for BasiGo and a strong endorsement of the capabilities we've built," said CEO Jit Bhattacharya. The partnership extends their impact far beyond their original bus-focused mission, transforming them into a continental infrastructure provider.
The CATL appointment demonstrates how innovative companies can leverage recognition to tackle bigger challenges and create broader change. BasiGo's evolution from electric bus company to continental EV service leader shows how startup innovation can scale to meet continental infrastructure needs.
As Africa's electric mobility sector accelerates, this partnership positions the company to play a crucial role in the continent's transportation transformation.
About the Global Startup Awards
The GSA discovers and empowers high-growth and innovative entrepreneurs and their startups through global competitions, events, collaboration, and community.
🔗 Read more here.