The launch marks a defining moment in how finance, innovation, and social protection come together to advance e-mobility in Rwanda, through collaboration between NCBA, Kabisa, and Sonarwa General and Sonarwa Life.
Commenting on the development, Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director of NCBA Bank Rwanda said: 'By financing affordable, electric solutions, Umurabyo is all about improving livelihoods and laying the foundation for a sustainable and greener Rwanda.'
The initiative aligns with NCBA's Change the Story agenda, which includes USD 230 million in green lending, planting 10 million trees by 2030, and rolling out electric charging stations across all NCBA branches in East Africa, several of which are already operational in Rwanda.
'We are committed to playing a key role in our shared responsibility to build sustainable cities,' added Pophia Muhoza, Managing Director of Kabisa. 'As a company, what we offer is more than EVs, we are providing the entire ecosystem of private and commercial electric vehicles, charging stations, and after-sales services. We won't just be selling these cars to drivers; we will charge them and repair them.'
Cleaner cities, better livelihoods
At its core, Umurabyo removes one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoption: upfront cost. NCBA Bank Rwanda has committed to providing 100% financing, with the vehicle itself serving as collateral.
For drivers, the benefits of going electric are immediate and measurable.
'Currently, I use about Frw 35,000 per day on fuel and drive about 200 kilometers.This comes to almost Frw 900,000 per month to drive 4,800 kilometers. With Umurabyo, a full electric charge that drives 300 kilometers and costs only Frw 12,000. If I drive the same 4,800 kilometers in the month, I will be spending only 192,000frw on charging. I save more than 700,000 every month on fuel,' said Kirundeke Assuman, a driver who received his taxi cab.
'Most of us bought old vehicles that we drive all day for hundreds of kilometers. As a result, we are always in garages repairing them. I spend over Frw 200,000 every month on spare parts and repairs. The Umurabyo I have now is brand new, reducing the time I will spend at the garage and the hours I miss from work,' said Kirundeke Asumani as he appreciated his new Umurabyo.
Over the course of a month, the savings exceed one million francs, money that can improve the livelihood of Rwandan drivers.
Drivers earning at least Frw 1.5 million a month and without an existing bank loan are eligible to apply immediately. Each package combines a competitively priced vehicle, affordable repayment terms, and comprehensive auto and life insurance coverage from Sonarwa, ensuring both drivers and their families are protected against financial risk.
This product shows how public-private partnerships can provide practical solutions to everyday challenges. With its rollout, Kigali stands to reduce urban pollution and carbon emissions, improve air quality, and move closer to Rwanda's national climate goals.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ncba-and-kabisa-roll-out-umurabyo-electric-taxi-cabs-in-rwanda
