PURPOSE OF THE CHALLENGE
The primary objective of this Challenge is to support the development or scaling of innovative bicycle solutions that address the transportation needs of rural communities. Solutions should specifically target low-income households and women, promoting gender equity and economic empowerment.
The Annual Program Statement (APS), which is the call for concept notes/applications (found in the Resources page), outlines the application process and criteria for the first stage of the Challenge: submission of concept notes. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications.
THE CHALLENGE STATEMENT
Develop or scale a cost-effective bicycle solution for people in rural areas of Malawi and/or Zambia that enables the effective transportation of people or goods or the delivery of services in order to improve livelihoods, especially amongst low-income households and women.
BACKGROUND
Bicycles have long been vital for improving mobility, livelihoods, and access to services in rural and peri-urban areas. In Malawi and Zambia, where a significant portion of the population lives in remote regions, bicycles represent a cost-effective and sustainable means of transportation. They enable individuals to travel greater distances to access healthcare, education, and markets, fostering economic participation and social inclusion. However, despite their potential, several systemic challenges limit the widespread adoption and effectiveness of bicycles in these communities.
The Mobility Gap
Transportation is a significant barrier to economic and social advancement for many rural households in Malawi and Zambia. Walking remains most people’s primary mode of transport, restricting access to essential services and opportunities. Bicycles can bridge this mobility gap, allowing users to carry goods to market, commute to school or work, and access vital services more efficiently. Yet, their availability and affordability remain major obstacles.
Challenges in Bicycle Use and Adoption
Research conducted through the Bicycles for Growth (BFG) initiative, a recent USAID program with the aim of improving sustainable access to affordable bicycles in sub-Saharan Africa, has revealed critical challenges:
Affordability: The upfront cost of purchasing a bicycle is prohibitive for many low-income families.
Durability and Design: Existing models often fail to meet the demands of rugged terrain and heavy usage. Repairs are frequent, and spare parts are only sometimes readily available.
Suitability: Many bicycles are not designed with the specific needs of users, such as farmers, healthcare workers, or traders, in mind.
To learn more about the BFG research and findings, check out the following resources:
https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA02124R.pdf
https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA02124W.pdf
https://www.jeaustin.com/bfg
https://worldbicyclerelief.org/bicycles-for-growth/
https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key
The Opportunity for Innovation
Despite these challenges, bicycles hold immense potential to transform livelihoods in Malawi and Zambia. Addressing the mobility gap through innovative and inclusive solutions can unlock significant economic and social benefits. Examples include:
Designing affordable, durable bicycles tailored to local needs.
Developing innovative financing models to improve access.
Establishing local repair and maintenance services to ensure sustainability.
Incorporating technology, such as e-bikes, to expand usage possibilities.
Focusing on Equity and Inclusion
Gender equity remains a core challenge in mobility. Women, who play a central role in household and economic activities, face even greater barriers to accessing transportation. Solutions that prioritize women and other marginalized groups can create more equitable access to opportunities and improve social outcomes across entire communities.
A Platform for Scalable Solutions
The Choova Njinga Innovation Challenge seeks to harness the power of local and global innovation to address these issues. By providing financial and non-financial support, the Challenge will empower innovators to develop and scale sustainable, fit-for-purpose bicycle solutions that can drive long-term impact. This initiative also aligns with broader goals of promoting gender equality, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in rural communities.
By fostering a collaborative approach, the Challenge aims to identify, test, and scale transformative ideas that reimagine how bicycles can be used to improve lives. In doing so, it will create lasting value for communities and contribute to the broader development goals of Malawi, Zambia, and the region.
The Choova Njinga Innovation Challenge builds on key findings from the Bicycles For Growth (BFG) research, focusing on bicycle market systems in Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, and other East African regions. Initial research into the use of bicycles in Malawi and Zambia found that the greatest use was for farmers, students and healthcare workers in predominantly rural and peri-urban areas.
In Malawi, bicycles are integral for students, traders, and healthcare workers. Students use family-owned bikes for school commutes, especially in rural areas. Traders prefer bicycles for their low cost and ability to cover extensive distances, enhancing their business reach and household income. However, challenges such as bicycle breakdowns and design flaws necessitate adaptations for better functionality.
In Zambia, safety concerns due to inadequate cycling infrastructure limit bicycle usage among students. Yet, bicycles remain crucial for short-distance urban mobility and income-generating activities among farmers and traders. Increased awareness and improved bike designs could boost adoption, providing significant economic and social benefits.
The insights from these regions highlight the multifaceted role of bicycles in enhancing mobility, economic activities, and healthcare access. By addressing specific regional challenges and leveraging innovation opportunities, Choova Njinga aims to foster widespread bicycle adoption, contributing to social and economic empowerment across East Africa.
The Program will test, prototype, and/or scale innovations to
Improve availability and affordability of bicycles
Enhance bicycle durability (e.g., maintenance and repair)
Increase suitability (fit-for-purpose) of bicycles to boost adoption
Expected outcomes may include:
Increased access to essential services (healthcare, education)
Enhanced economic opportunities, especially for women
Improved productivity
Ultimately, the program aims to improve livelihoods. It will also provide financial and non-financial support to innovators, enhancing their capacities and performance, promoting sustainability and the achievement of long-term impact.
STREAMS OF SUPPORT
The Challenge offers two streams of funding to cater to diverse stages of innovation:
Stream 1: Developing Innovations
This stream focuses on nurturing early-stage ideas with transformative potential. It is designed for applicants with innovative bicycle solutions—whether pedal-powered or electric—that could benefit from field testing and user feedback. These solutions should have been in development for at least six months and undergone preliminary testing. The goal is to support these concepts as they transition from idea to implementation, providing resources and guidance to refine and pilot their innovations. Applicants in this stream are encouraged to address the unique challenges faced by low-income households and women in rural areas.
Stream 2: Transition to Scale
This stream supports applicants with proven bicycle-based solutions that are operationally viable and ready for expansion. It targets scalable initiatives aiming to broaden their impact, whether through geographic expansion, increasing operational scope, or integrating complementary innovations such as electric bikes. Applicants must present a clear plan for scaling, backed by evidence of prior success in improving livelihoods. This stream provides the resources needed to accelerate the growth of impactful solutions and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Organizations are allowed to submit multiple applications to the challenge but will be awarded up to one per stream as a lead partner. The IDEAS team reserves the right to offer more than one per stream for exceptional applications which demonstrate the potential for significant impact.
Awards:- $2,200,000
Deadline:- 20-01-2025
