Our work in Africa began in Zambia with volunteer health workers fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 2009. Since then, we've distributed more than 268,000 bicycles in the country. Our continued investment in Zambia has expanded bicycle infrastructure and offered mobility to students, health workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and field mechanics.
Before she owned a bicycle, 15-year-old Ethel walked more than two hours across hilly terrain each day to attend school. With a bike, her commute now takes just 45 minutes. She's happy to arrive at school on time to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse. Ethel has also mobilized her community by using her bicycle to transport fellow classmates to school.
One day, Ruth stepped into a Buffalo Bicycles retail shop in Mumbwa, Zambia, to buy spokes, a hub and a rim. She walked out with an offer to work as a bicycle assembler.