Locally manufactured E-Bikes with rental system for peri-urban communities
Windhoek has experienced significant rural-urban migration due to economic pressures and climate change impacts. This influx has created numerous communities in outlying areas where public transportation is unavailable. As a result, residents must either spend a substantial portion of their income on private transportation or walk long distances to reach their destinations. These long walks pose particular safety concerns for women traveling alone.
Our IKI Small Grants project addresses these challenges by introducing solar-powered e-bikes and e-cargo bikes in Windhoek. The primary goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector while simultaneously improving mobility options for underserved communities, with a special focus on female commuters, street vendors, and local entrepreneurs.
The project has delivered measurable results including the manufacturing of e-bikes, establishment of two fully operational e-hubs, and comprehensive technical training for students from local universities and colleges. These outcomes provide affordable and sustainable transportation alternatives while significantly reducing carbon emissions in the urban environment.
Beyond the immediate transportation benefits, the project has created additional positive impacts. The e-hubs have been transferred to the Namibian Women’s Association (NAWA) and are now managed by two extensively trained e-hub managers. This management structure ensures the initiative is self-sustaining, creates local employment opportunities, and establishes a replicable model for sustainable urban transport solutions that can be implemented across other regions of Namibia.
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
IKI Small Grants supported EBIKES4AFRICA in their organizational capacity development through:
- Training on new design methodologies
- Training on advanced manufacturing processes
- Acquisition of essential tools, such as a bender and modern welding technology (MIG welding machine)
These advancements increased the production capabilities and expanded the network with key stakeholders, including potential clients, project partners, and policymakers. In collaboration with grant donors, the project engaged with the City of Windhoek municipality, banks, and development organisations, fostering partnerships that will support future growth and innovation. This capacity development will position EBIKES4AFRICA for greater impact in upcoming projects.
Affary Mubonenwa, project lead of EBIKES4AFRICA, shares the achievements of the project. ©EBIKES4AFRICA
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
EBIKES4AFRICA is a social enterprise that specialises in electric mobility and solar recharge systems. Their locally designed e-mobility solutions help Africans move towards a more sustainable future. As the first to introduce this technology to developing countries, they believe that their products and projects create the opportunity for Africa to be on the forefront of future-driven transport development initiatives.
A pioneering project for Namibia and Africa, EBIKES4AFRICA provides electric-assist bicycles to beneficiaries for whom conventional bicycles are limited in their usefulness, and a car not an option. Electric bicycles are the most affordable and efficient way of moving, and because it is supported by an electric motor and battery, significantly increases distance, speed, and ease of travel for better access to vital facilities.