By 
Funding to expand affordable Smartphone access, reduce e-waste, and strengthen digital connectivity in Kenya.
Proparco, through its Bridge by Digital Africa facility, has provided $400,000 in debt financing to Badili, a leading African startup focused on refurbishing and reselling smartphones. The funding aims to enhance digital access, reduce electronic waste, and provide affordable smartphones to underserved communities in Kenya and beyond.
RELATED: Addressing e-waste through EPR compliance
Bridging Finance to Accelerate Growth
The Bridge by Digital Africa facility, backed by Digital Africa and deployed by Proparco, is designed to provide bridging finance of up to 24 months for innovative African startups, helping them scale between two rounds of funding.
With this strategic investment, Badili is set to:
- Expand its smartphone refurbishment operations across Africa
- Reduce electronic waste by extending the lifecycle of mobile devices
Promote sustainability by limiting the extraction of raw materials - Enhance digital inclusion by making smartphones more affordable
Badili’s model aligns with Proparco’s mission of promoting responsible environmental practices, economic opportunity, and social inclusion in Africa.
Badili’s Impact on Sustainability and Digital Access
By refurbishing and redistributing smartphones, Badili helps mitigate Africa’s growing e-waste challenge while ensuring that millions of people—especially in underserved communities—gain access to digital technology at a fraction of the cost of new devices.
Key Benefits of Badili’s Model:
- Affordable Smartphones – Reduces financial barriers to smartphone ownership for low-income users
- E-Waste Reduction – Extends device lifespan and minimizes environmental impact
- Sustainable Resource Use – Decreases demand for raw material extraction
- Digital Inclusion – Expands access to mobile payments, online education, and telemedicine
Badili’s initiative also contributes to Kenya’s digital economy by enabling more people to access mobile financial services, online learning platforms, and essential telehealth solutions.
Leadership Perspectives
Rishabh Lawania, Founder & CEO of Badili, emphasized the significance of Proparco’s support:
“Getting validation and trust from Proparco is a great boost to the morale of our team. We are building a sustainable company that enables Africans to own smartphones for a fraction of the cost of a new one. As we enter a phase of profitability and expansion into new regions, it is a pleasure to welcome one of the world’s most progressive and supportive DFIs as a partner in Badili’s billion-dollar journey.”
Fabrice Perez, Head of Venture Capital at Proparco, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership:
“Badili’s local smartphone refurbishment initiative in Kenya is a game-changer. This project not only fosters economic resilience but also underscores the importance of sustainability in today’s digital economy. Proparco is proud to support a venture that aligns with our core objectives of environmental responsibility, economic growth, and social inclusion in Africa.”
A Step Toward a Circular Digital Economy in Africa
With global concerns about electronic waste and climate impact, Badili’s business model offers a sustainable solution by creating a circular economy for smartphones. This initiative:
- Reduces environmental pollution from discarded electronics
- Cuts down carbon emissions from manufacturing new devices
- Supports job creation in the refurbishment and resale sector
By leveraging Proparco’s funding, Badili is set to scale its operations and impact across multiple African markets, making refurbished smartphones a viable, accessible, and eco-friendly alternative to new devices.
What’s Next for Badili?
- Regional Expansion – Plans to extend operations across Africa
- Tech Innovation – Enhancing smartphone refurbishment technology
- Sustainability Focus – Strengthening e-waste management and recycling partnerships
With increasing demand for affordable digital access, Badili’s business model is positioned for significant growth, helping bridge the digital divide while promoting environmental sustainability.
Major milestone in tackling Africa’s e-waste crisis
This collaboration between Proparco and Badili marks a major milestone in tackling Africa’s e-waste crisis while expanding digital inclusion. By making refurbished smartphones accessible, Badili is not just a tech startup—it is a driving force for sustainability and economic empowerment across the continent.
