How Solar-Powered Tricycles are Revolutionizing Mobility in Rural Zimbabwe

Matius Khumbula, a small-scale dairy farmer in Domboshava, Zimbabwe, used to carry 60 liters of milk daily over 5km to sell at the largest dairy farm in the country. Now, he and his wife are spared the back-breaking labor, thanks to solar-powered tricycles. Mobility for Africa (MFA) is an eco-friendly mobility company registered in Mauritius and operating in Zimbabwe, building custom-built e-tricycles powered by swappable solar-charged battery packs. The sturdy three-wheelers can transport anything from building materials to school children up to 100 kilometers on a single charge. The e-tricycles are rented for a monthly fee, and there is an option for lease-to-purchase or upfront payment. MFA has increased its operations to include rural Domboshava and Chiredzi and has distributed over 150 three-wheelers in Zimbabwe. MFA has encountered difficulties due to strict policies regarding electric vehicles and currency fluctuations, but it still aims to scale to 400 e-tricycles and build eight charging stations.