Kenyan re-commerce startup Badili has raised $400,000 in debt funding from French development finance institution Proparco, strengthening its mission to make refurbished smartphones more accessible across Africa.
Founded in 2021, Badili operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, sourcing used and damaged mobile phones, refurbishing them locally, and reselling them through major e-commerce platforms, mobile network operators, and trade partners. The company enables consumers to purchase top-tier smartphone brands at significantly lower prices while maintaining quality standards.
The funding, secured through Proparco’s Bridge by Digital Africa facility, will support Badili’s efforts to enhance smartphone access, improve digital connectivity, and promote sustainability by reducing electronic waste.
Badili’s CEO and founder, Rishabh Lawania, expressed optimism about the investment, stating: “Getting validation and trust from Proparco is a great boost for our team as we build a sustainable company that enables Africans to own smartphones at a fraction of the cost of new ones. As we enter a phase of profitability and expansion into new African markets, we are pleased to welcome one of the world’s most progressive and supportive development finance institutions on this journey.”
With this backing, Badili is poised to scale its operations and further its goal of making affordable, high-quality smartphones accessible across the continent.
