Solar-Powered Tricycle Startup Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, a homegrown mobility startup is helping women become powerful agents of change in their communities through access to electric transportation.
The startup’s flagship product, the Hamba—a rugged, solar-powered electric tricycle—is transforming daily life for working women and mothers. Designed for durability and ease of use, the Hamba is giving women the ability to transport goods, travel safely, and even launch small businesses.
“For us, getting our produce to market used to be a nightmare. We had to wake up at 3 a.m. and travel long distances in ox-drawn carts,” said Hilda Takadini, a 34-year-old tomato farmer and mother of six. “Now, it’s much easier. We can reach the market on time.”
Since launching its pilot program, the company reports that 92% of participating women say they feel significantly safer using the Hamba compared to walking. Many have gone beyond using the vehicle for personal needs—offering transport services to neighbors and delivering goods, creating new sources of income and sparking a wave of grassroots entrepreneurship.
The Hamba is more than just a vehicle—it’s a tool for empowerment, allowing women across Zimbabwe to reclaim their time, expand their economic opportunities, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
