French development organization Proparco has provided US $400,000 in debt funding to Kenyan re-commerce startup Badili.
Badili was founded in 2021 and is currently active in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It uses major e-commerce platforms, local trade partners, and MNOs to collect, repair, and reintroduce used or damaged mobile phones to the market.
By using local refurbishment to offer devices at a fraction of the price of new models without sacrificing quality, the platform gives customers access to premium smartphone brands.
In an effort to reduce electronic waste and give consumers access to reasonably priced devices, Badili has now obtained a US$400,000 debt facility through Proparco’s Bridge by Digital Africa facility to support its initiative of selling refurbished smartphones. In Kenya, this funding will increase smartphone accessibility, boost connectivity, and advance sustainability.
“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,” said Rishabh Lawania, founder and CEO at Badili.
