The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD Plc) has signed a financing agreement with Jali Finance Ltd. to expand access to electric motorcycles and support Rwanda’s transition to clean and sustainable transport.

Under the agreement, BRD will provide a facility of more than Rwf4.5 billion to enable Jali Finance to scale up financing for motorcycle operators, making electric bikes more affordable while helping reduce operating costs.

The agreement, signed on August 11, supports Rwanda’s green mobility agenda and is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods and greater financial inclusion as more motorcycle operators gain access to financing for electric motorcycles, according to the partners.

Motorcycles are among Rwanda’s most widely used modes of transport and provide a vital source of income for thousands of riders. However, the sector remains largely reliant on fuel-powered motorcycles, which come with higher fuel and maintenance costs and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the partners observed.

The shift towards electric motorcycles is therefore expected to deliver benefits across three key areas: environmental sustainability, economic efficiency and social inclusion.

For the environment, increased adoption of electric motorcycles will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Rwanda’s climate commitments.

For motorcycle operators, lower energy and maintenance costs will improve profitability and business sustainability. At the same time, access to affordable financing can enable more operators to acquire productive assets and participate in the green economy.

By supporting the financing of electric motorcycles, BRD and Jali Finance stated they are also contributing to the development of Rwanda’s wider electric mobility ecosystem, including vehicle distribution, maintenance, battery-swapping and charging services.

"Clean mobility is central to Rwanda’s vision for a low-carbon economy. By partnering with Jali Finance, BRD is advancing climate finance and reaffirming its commitment to investments that reduce emissions, improve livelihoods, and support Rwanda’s transition to a greener economy,” said Stella Rusine Nteziryayo, Chief Executive Officer of BRD.

Jean Felix Nkundimana, Chief Executive Officer of JALI Group and Jali Finance Ltd., said the partnership reflects the confidence placed in the company as it expands its asset-financing business.

"We see this investment as both recognition of what we have achieved and a responsibility to achieve much more. The trust that BRD has placed in us challenges us to maintain the highest standards of governance, financial discipline, innovation and customer service as we scale our asset-financing business and expand access to productive assets for Rwandans,” said Nkundimana.

The partnership comes as Rwanda continues to promote electric mobility as part of efforts to reduce emissions and lower transport-related costs.

As adoption of electric motorcycles grows, the sector is expected to create jobs, attract investment and stimulate innovation across the electric mobility value chain.

BRD said it remains committed to financing initiatives that deliver economic, social and environmental impact while supporting national development priorities.

About BRD

Established in 1967, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is Rwanda’s national development bank. It provides affordable, long-term and tailored financing to support sustainable development.

Over the past 59 years, BRD has financed projects in sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, affordable housing, education, green finance, exports and manufacturing. Its investments support Rwanda’s national development priorities under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About JALI Finance Ltd.

JALI Finance Ltd. is a subsidiary of JALI Group Ltd. that provides financing solutions aimed at expanding access to productive assets and supporting economic empowerment.

Through tailored financial products, JALI Finance seeks to promote financial inclusion and support individuals and businesses in achieving sustainable growth.