By Johnson Siamachira
Harare, (New Ziana) – In the sun-drenched fields of Wedza district in rural Zimbabwe, 150 km from the capital Harare, the air buzzes with the sound of laughter and conversation as women gather, ready to embark on their daily routines.
Among them is Anna Bhobho, a 31-year-old housewife turned entrepreneur, who now commands respect in her village thanks to a revolutionary tool: a solar-powered electric tricycle. Once a silent observer in her home, Bhobho is now a beacon of change, showcasing how innovation can uplift communities and transform lives.
For generations, women like Bhobho have grappled with the arduous task of transporting goods over long distances, often under harsh conditions. The traditional modes of transport—walking or relying on costly public vehicles—have limited their economic potential and exacted a heavy physical toll.
However, with the introduction of the Hamba (meaning “Go” in the Ndebele language), these women are not just finding mobility; they are reclaiming their independence.
Developed by the Zimbabwean startup Mobility for Africa, the Hamba tricycle offers a sustainable, efficient, and affordable transport solution tailored for rural environments. Powered by solar-charged lithium-ion batteries, these tricycles address the unique challenges faced by women, particularly in off-grid areas where access to energy and transport is limited.
Mobility for Africa piloted the project in 2019 by leasing the vehicles to groups of women for $15 a month. Today, individual women like Bhobho can own them through a lease-to-purchase programme, says company director Shanta Bloemen.
“No one was talking about electric mobility in Africa, let alone for rural women,” added Shanta.
In Chipinge district in eastern Zimbabwe, the Hambas are leased to groups of farmers for US$30 each a month. Mobility for Africa also partners with non-governmental organisations and government bodies to supply the vehicles.
As well as taking farm produce to market, some drivers use their Hamba to offer a taxi service to their neighbours – and they are also used by rural healthcare workers. Mobility for Africa also creates transport and logistics fleets for organisations in the agribusiness sector.
Before getting access to a Hamba, Chipinge smallholder dairy farmer, Pauline Ndlovu, had to carry 20 litres of milk for seven kilometres to the nearest milk collection centre twice daily.
Ndlovu was sometimes too tired or lacking in time to carry out this journey. She estimates the vehicle has raised her income by up to US$120 a month.
The innovative tricycles are also benefitting public service providers such as nurses, police officers and agriculture extension officers facing transport problems when discharging their duties. The tricycles can transport products to the market, offer delivery services, or simply move around safely.
This model was designed considering the characteristics of the African terrain. With a daily autonomy of more than 30 kilometres, the Hamba allows to replace strenuous walks or the use of animal-drawn carts, offering a practical and zero carbon emission alternative.
Additionally, batteries powered by solar energy and adapted to extreme heat allow these vehicles to operate in areas without access to the electrical grid.
The Hamba has driven an incredible 1.5 million kilometres so far this year.
Furthermore, the solar charging stations, offer a fast and economic battery replacement system. This avoids waiting times and ensures service continuity, even in remote communities.
The environmental impact is also positive. Electric mobility helps reduce dependence on oil and eliminate polluting gas emissions, maintaining clean air quality and promoting sustainable practices. The Hamba initiative has had a profound impact on the socio-economic landscape.
Bhobho, once confined to domestic duties, now earns up to US$300 a month, comparable to government workers.
With her newfound income, she has opened a grocery store, purchased a car, and moved her children to a better-equipped private school. “My husband now relies on me to cover household expenses, including school fees and furniture,” she explains, beaming with pride.
“I have gained respect and a voice in family decisions.”
The benefits of the Hamba tricycle extend far beyond individual success stories. According to the 2022 Zimbabwe Population Census, 67 per cent of the population resides in rural areas where poor road networks hinder access to essential services. Women, who are often the backbone of local economies—especially in agriculture and informal trading—are changing the narrative through this innovative technology.
Martha Chinamhora, a 70-year-old small-scale dairy farmer from Domboshava, 30 kilometres from the capital, used to carry 60 litres of milk daily over five kilometres. “It was exhausting,” she recalls.
“Now, thanks to the Hamba, I can transport my milk easily and have time for my family.” The tricycle has not only eased her physical burden but also allowed her to focus on other productive activities.
The impact of the Hamba initiative is significant. Women can now transport goods more efficiently, access more markets, and increase their income.
“Before, I would leave home at 3 a.m. using an ox-drawn cart, often arriving too late to sell my tomatoes,” says Hilda Takadini, a tomato farmer from Wedza. “Now, I reach the market on time, and my business has flourished.”
The success of the Hamba initiative in Zimbabwe serves as a powerful blueprint for sustainable economic empowerment across Africa. By harnessing locally developed, eco-friendly technology, Mobility for Africa demonstrates how to effectively address socio-economic challenges, particularly for marginalised communities.
As Zimbabwe continues to develop its renewable energy policy, initiatives like Hamba align with the national goal of increasing access to clean energy. The country aims to achieve 1,200 megawatts of renewable energy generation by 2030. This not only enhances energy security but also fosters economic growth and job creation in rural communities.
Josephine Nyevhe, a community health worker from Wedza district, uses her Hamba to provide essential medical services. “I respond to emergencies and transport patients to clinics,” she says. “The tricycle has transformed healthcare access in our village.” By bridging the gap between communities and essential services, the Hamba is revolutionising the fabric of rural life.
Despite the successes, the initiative faces challenges. Cultural resistance persists as some men feel threatened by women stepping into roles traditionally played by men. Moreover, the rugged terrain and rains complicate mobility. However, the women remain resilient, proving their capabilities in a society that often under-rates them.
Mobility for Africa’s commitment to training women in safe driving and maintenance ensures that they are equipped to handle these challenges. The organisation’s goal is to ensure that at least 70 per cent of its beneficiaries are women, as a way of empowering them in the form of easy mobility.
With over 300 women already benefiting from the Hamba programme, the future looks promising. Mobility for Africa plans to expand its fleet and reach, aiming to replicate this model in other African countries facing similar challenges.
As Bhobho and her fellow tricycle drivers navigate the narrow paths of their villages, they are not just transporting goods; they are driving a revolution whose full impact time will tell.
In a world where mobility defines opportunity, the Hamba tricycle stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and empowerment for women across Zimbabwe. As they embrace this innovative technology, these women are not only transforming their lives but also reshaping the socio-economic landscape of their communities, proving that when women thrive, entire communities flourish.
New Ziana
