• Badili has raised $400,000 in debt financing from Proparco, the French development finance institution
• The funding will support Badili's expansion and sustainability efforts in providing refurbished smartphones
• By refurbishing locally, Badili offers consumers access to top-tier smartphone brands at a fraction of the cost of new models

Kenyan re-commerce startup Badili has raised $400,000 in debt financing from Proparco, the French development finance institution, through its Bridge by Digital Africa facility. The funding will support Badili's expansion and sustainability efforts in providing refurbished smartphones at lower prices.

Founded in 2021, Badili operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, aggregating, repairing, and reselling used or damaged mobile phones through e-commerce platforms, local trade partners, and mobile network operators (MNOs). By refurbishing locally, Badili offers consumers access to top-tier smartphone brands at a fraction of the cost of new models.

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CEO Rishabh Lawania described the investment as a validation of Badili's business model, which focuses on affordability, sustainability, and digital inclusion. The company aims to scale operations across Africa while helping reduce electronic waste and increase smartphone penetration.

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Key Takeaways

Badili's funding comes amid rising demand for affordable smartphones in Africa, where device costs remain a barrier to digital inclusion. By refurbishing and reselling phones, the startup is addressing both connectivity challenges and e-waste concerns, aligning with global sustainability goals. Proparco's investment signals growing investor interest in circular economy models, particularly in Africa's fast-growing mobile market. As Badili expands beyond East Africa, its success could pave the way for more investments in affordable, sustainable tech solutions across the continent.