In Zambia, Bikes and ‘Zambulances’ Made From Bamboo are Improving Life for Locals

Zambikes Bamboo Bikes

CURATED BY NIKI DE WITT

Thinking outside the box, one company in Zambia is using bamboo to create alternative transportation solutions. The innovative company created a line of bamboo-made products to help serve the transportation needs of local communities. The Zambike and the Zambulance are lightweight bikes that are affordable and, best of all, give back to the community.

FROM GOOD

It is early morning in Lusaka town, as the Zambikes store in the town center opens. Manager Paul Mulenga wheels bikes onto the concrete display slab. He has already answered at least five phone queries and is rushing to take a group of kids on a tour to the factory.

“It’s like this all the time. The bikes are really in demand, sometimes people just want to see them. We always have people visiting the factory,” says Mulenga.

Zambikes is the brainchild of two Zambians and two Americans who spotted an opportunity to provide alternative transportation solutions using an abundant local resource: bamboo. Zambian bamboo permits the manufacture of lightweight bikes for international sale. Profits are split between developing the business and developing the local community. …Continue Reading

Niki De Witt About the Curator

Niki is currently exploring Asia while working on a children’s book series about travel. As a child, she traveled and moved often for her parents’ jobs. As a result of this, she has always felt most at home when she’s off and away. She is interested in international films, working on building an impressive tea collection, and can often be found with her camera in hand. You can have a look-see at her blog and follow her on Twitter @nikidding.

 

Photo via Zambikes Zambia

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