Badili, a Kenya-based smartphone refurbishment startup, has secured a US$400,000 debt facility from French development finance institution Proparco, marking a significant step in its expansion efforts across Africa.
- •Badili was founded in 2021 by Rishabh Lawania and Keshu Dubey; and has positioned itself as a leader in Africa’s re-commerce sector by refurbishing and reselling pre-owned smartphones.
- •The funding, provided through the Bridge by Digital Africa initiative, will help Badili scale its operations, making refurbished smartphones more accessible while reducing electronic waste.
- •The financing comes at a time when the demand for affordable mobile devices is surging in Africa, where high smartphone prices often limit digital access.
“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,” Rishabh Lawania, founder and CEO of Badili said.
“As we enter profitability and expand into other regions across Africa, it’s a pleasure to welcome one of the most progressive and supportive DFIs in the world as part of Badili’s billion-dollar journey,” he added.
Proparco sees the investment as part of its broader efforts in fostering sustainable development and digital inclusion. By extending the life cycle of electronics, the startup addresses sustainability concerns tied to electronic waste.
“Badili’s initiative to refurbish 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,” Fabrice Perez, head of venture capital at Proparco, said.
Badili has previously raised US$2.1 million in pre-seed funding in 2022 and seed capital from E3 Capital last year.