Startup Story
As co-founder and managing director of award-winning social enterprise, EBIKES4AFRICA, Marita Walther represents a women-led entity that works to empower African communities through sustainable mobility and energy. With a background in media, journalism and social sciences, Marita is passionate about gender and youth empowerment, uplifting local communities and preserving the natural environment for future generations. The business, which was launched in 2015, now employees 20 people.
LoA spoke to Marita to learn more about this high-impact transportation enterprise, empowering local communities.
What does your company do?
We are a social enterprise that provides access to e-mobility and solar recharge systems to rural and urban areas across Africa. As the first to introduce this technology to developing countries, we believe that our products and projects create the opportunity for Africa to be at the forefront of future-driven transport development initiatives.
Photo of Marita by @Willem Vrey
“We pride ourselves in customizable, locally manufactured products that provide solutions to Africa’s mobility challenges.”
What inspired you to start your company?
Working as a journalist, I observed many social ills and challenges, and always felt that I wasn’t making enough of an impact just by writing about it. So, when I met my partner (who has an engineering background), we put our heads together and decided to combine our skills and expertise to introduce solar-powered electric bicycles to our community – and take action to be part of the change we wanted to see in our community.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Our e-bikes and solar recharge systems are designed in Namibia and made for Africa. We pride ourselves in customizable, locally manufactured products that provide solutions to Africa’s mobility challenges.
“As the first to introduce this technology to developing countries, we believe that our products and projects create the opportunity for Africa to be at the forefront of future-driven transport development initiatives.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team consists of two co-founders who also act as Managing Director and Technical Director, and a young and dynamic core team that consists of an office manager, workshop manager, assistant, welders, tube benders and frame designers, as well as a team of 14 delivery riders. We also work with interns and volunteers as a means to provide the youth with better opportunities and practical experience in sustainable industries.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey started as a result of being frustrated with the lack of impact I was making as a journalist, and the need to take more action in my immediate surroundings. I did not come from an entrepreneurial background, and honestly, never thought that I would call myself an entrepreneur one day. But while it has been a rollercoaster ride, I’ve never regretted taking the leap.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To become the top manufacturer and producer of electric mobility and solar recharge alternatives on the African continent, with products and solutions that are made to cater to local users and road conditions.
“My aspiration is to become the top manufacturer and producer of electric mobility and solar recharge alternatives on the African continent, with products and solutions that are made to cater to local users and road conditions.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The fact that I can see the difference my products and services are making to local commuters, road users and city planners, and knowing that EBIKES4AFRICA has played a key part in the move towards introducing sustainable mobility alternatives to local communities. I feel content knowing that the work I do now has a measurable and positive impact.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I stick to the advice I’ve received from one of my mentors, which also pushed me to change careers: “If you keep on doing what you always did, you’ll keep on getting what you always got”. Don’t be afraid to take risks – believe in yourself and your own abilities, and just do it!
Contact or follow EBIKES4AFRICA
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | EMAIL marita@ebikes4africa.org
Why LoA loves it…
With such an increasing focus on how to limit our environmental impact on the world we live in, it’s so good to hear about women entrepreneurs like Marita Walther and her team at EBIKES4AFRICA who are changing things for the better. Her social enterprise is creating job opportunities for the local community, solving local mobility challenges, and positively contributing to a more environmentally friendly economy. This is one impact driven business we will be watching closely over the coming months and years. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa