Kenyan Startup Secures $400K to Expand Refurbished Electronics Programme

To enhance affordability, digital inclusion and reduce e-waste, Kenyan re-commerce startup Badili  has secured $400,000 in debt funding from French development finance institution Proparco to expand its refurbished electronics programme across East Africa.

Founded in 2021, Badili operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, specialising in the collection, repair, and resale of pre-owned smartphones. The company partners with e-commerce platforms, mobile network operators, and local trade partners to provide high-quality, affordable refurbished devices.

The funding, provided through Proparco’s Bridge by Digital Africa initiative, aims to support Badili’s mission of reducing electronic waste while improving access to affordable technology. This investment is expected to enhance digital inclusion by offering cost-effective smartphone alternatives.

Rishabh Lawania, CEO of Badili, expressed optimism about the funding, stating that Proparco’s backing validates their efforts to make smartphone ownership more accessible.

“This investment brings us closer to our goal of enabling millions of Africans to own smartphones at a fraction of the cost of new ones,” he said.

With the new funding, Badili is set to scale operations, increase device refurbishment capacity, and expand its presence in more African countries, further bridging the digital divide and promoting sustainable technology use.