Bboxx moves its headquarters to Rwanda, eyes Africa expansion

Renewable energy company Bboxx has made a strategic decision to relocate its headquarters from London to Kigali, underscoring its dedication as an Africa-first company. With ambitious plans to train nearly 500 Rwandans in the next five years and invest up to $100 million in the country, Bboxx is poised to deepen its presence in the continent. The company's journey began in 2008 in Rwanda when Mansoor Hamayun, CEO of Bboxx, partnered with the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology to electrify a village in Manasi. This pioneering project laid the foundation for Bboxx's expansion across Africa, encompassing 10 markets including Kenya, the DRC, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. As Hamayun shared with CNBC Africa's Flora Limukii, Rwanda served as the launchpad for Bboxx's growth, with the company's evolution mirroring the progression of the East African nation in terms of connectivity, talent, and stability. Despite its origins in London, the shifting landscape and increased opportunities in Rwanda propelled Bboxx to position itself at the heart of its African operations. Leveraging data has been pivotal for Bboxx in optimizing strategies and fostering innovation in the energy sector, particularly within Africa's diverse markets. Emphasizing the prevalence of the informal economy across the continent, Hamayun highlighted the need for tailored solutions that cater to the daily earning and spending patterns of customers. Bboxx's pay-as-you-go model, facilitated through mobile money transactions, has enabled the company to glean valuable insights into consumer behavior, empowering it to offer bankable solutions and mobilize capital for further growth and impact. Additionally, Hamayun underscored Bboxx's commitment to aligning with Rwanda's climate goals, citing the nation's ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 38% by 2050. By championing electric mobility, solar energy, clean cooking solutions, and carbon positivity, Bboxx aims to contribute to Rwanda's green economy plans and replicate its success in other African countries. The company's initiatives in Rwanda, spanning electrification, clean cooking, and e-mobility, have not only provided electricity to 14% of Rwandan households but also fostered sustainable practices that benefit the environment and public health. Bboxx's emphasis on pay-as-you-go services has proven transformative, ensuring affordable and reliable access to energy for underserved communities. Looking ahead, Bboxx envisions expanding its impact and workforce across Africa, a testament to the scalability and resilience of its business model. Engaging in the UK-Rwanda Business Forum, Bboxx seeks to forge partnerships and collaborations that align with its mission to drive innovation and empower communities. The CEO's participation in the event underscores Bboxx's pioneering role in bridging the UK and Rwanda's shared values of innovation, education, and mutual benefit.