In Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek, transportation challenges have long been a daily reality for residents. Olivia Shililifa, a young cycling enthusiast, knows this all too well. While public transport has improved, taxis remain the primary means of getting around—often an expensive and unsustainable solution. Especially for people in outlying areas, accessing adequate, affordable, safe, and sustainable means of transport presents challenges. Amidst these challenges, innovative initiatives like EBIKES4AFRICA are creating sustainable alternatives, empowering local communities, and changing lives. Olivia worked as a trainee for this project, combining her passion for cycling with improving mobility in her home city.
Discovering the e-bike initiative
Olivia Shililifa’s cycling journey began early in life when her uncle introduced her to the sport. She nurtured this passion through her teenage years by joining the Physical Active Youth Centre (PAY Centre), an organization that offers after-school programs and cycling activities for youth from disadvantaged areas.
Years later, when she heard about a project aiming to introduce solar-powered e-bikes in Windhoek called EBIKES4AFRICA, she was immediately drawn to it. As a professional Namibian cyclist, the project’s vision of sustainable mobility resonated deeply with her values.
“PAY has been such a pillar in my life, even now granting me an opportunity with EBIKES4AFRICA through their bicycle building program,” Olivia explains.
The EBIKES4AFRICA initiative
EBIKES4AFRICA was selected for funding by IKI Small Grants, a programme that supports local actors worldwide in implementing effective climate and biodiversity actions. IKI Small Grants particularly supports projects that involve and empower women, youth, and indigenous communities to lead in creating a sustainable future. The EBIKES4AFRICA initiative embodies an ambitious vision for sustainable mobility solutions in Namibia, specifically targeting underserved communities such as female commuters, street vendors, and local entrepreneurs.
The initiative’s hub, aptly named the “e-hub,” was established at the PAY Centre. This multifunctional space serves as a manufacturing workshop, rental station, and battery charging station powered by solar energy. Here, e-bikes are made available for rent at the affordable rate of just the equivalent of roughly €20 per month, making sustainable transportation accessible to many commuters, including students.
Buildings skills and empowering youth
Olivia joined EBIKES4AFRICA as a trainee, receiving comprehensive training on e-bike maintenance and repair, as well as business development skills. The project doesn’t just provide e-bikes—it creates opportunities for growth and learning.
Through collaboration with local universities, EBIKES4AFRICA actively involves students in the ongoing development of e-bike technology. This partnership gives students valuable work experience and research opportunities, particularly in solar-powered battery systems.
“I have learned so much,” Olivia shares. “Not only how to fix bikes but also how to communicate and how to be a leader.”
Leadership and vision
Affary Mubonenwa, the project lead of EBIKES4AFRICA, champions the benefits of solar-powered e-bikes for both the environment and the community. He emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in creating sustainable solutions for Namibia’s transportation challenges.
Looking ahead: impact and future growth
With a current production capacity of 200 e-bikes annually, EBIKES4AFRICA is making a tangible difference in Windhoek’s transportation landscape. The project serves as a blueprint for additional e-hubs planned throughout Windhoek and northern Namibia.
The initiative demonstrates to young people across Namibia that innovative solutions can address transportation challenges while creating a greener future. More importantly, it empowers trainees like Olivia to help build safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly commuting options.
The knowledge gained through this project benefits future generations of students who will continue to improve and scale these concepts, creating lasting change in Namibia’s approach to mobility.
More about the project
Locally manufactured E-Bikes with rental system for peri-urban communities | IKI Small Grants
About the organisation
EBIKES4AFRICA is a social enterprise that specialises in electric mobility and solar recharge systems. A pioneering project for Namibia and Africa, EBIKES4AFRICA provides electric-assist bicycles. 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. As the first to introduce this technology they believe that their products and projects create the opportunity for Windhoek to be on the forefront of future-driven transport development initiatives.
Links
Video documentary featuring EBIKES4AFRICA and project trainee Olivia Shililifa