Solar-powered tricycles are transforming rural transport in Zimbabwe, offering a clean and affordable solution to chronic mobility challenges.
Miles of dirt roads separate rural families in Zimbabwe from essential services, forcing many to walk long hours for basic necessities. This groundbreaking tricycle program is breaking new ground by bridging this gap.
In 2022, Pamela Kufinya broke societal stereotypes when she learned how to ride an electric tricycle. She's established a thriving business in Domboshava, a few kilometres north of the capital city Harare, delivering everything from stock feed and building materials. Occasionally, she also carried patients to the local clinic.
She said her tricycles are giving conventional modes of transport a run for their money.
"It costs more to hire a truck than it is to hire a tricycle, so people are opting for us. Before this, I used to grind quarry stones by hand for a living. Riding is less strenuous and is sustaining my family better," said Kufinya.
The three-wheelers called "Hambas", which means to move in the local language, are getting around one of the main barriers in rural development, and in a climate conscious manner.
"The Hamba is just the right answer to the rural mobility challenge. It is flexible, you don't need a very well-maintained road for it to access, which is the limitation that we have in the country. The Hamba by its size and its design is able to go through those small pathways, right into your avocado field, right into your banana plantation, right into your cabbage garden and collect and take the product to the market," said Simba Hlatshwayo, the Chief Finance Officer of the tricycle company.
Batteries of the tricycle were co-designed by the technicians of the company and an energy enterprise from China.
Emboldened by its reception and the environmental and economic benefits, the manufacturers are scaling up production. There are currently about 300 of these bikes traversing rural Zimbabwe. The plan is to increase that number to about 500 by the end of the year.
"As they improve productivity, because they have solved the mobility challenges, they have more disposable income," said the CFO.
In this case, more villagers will no longer have to walk long distances, and they can improve their livelihoods at the same time.
Solar-powered tricycles revolutionize rural transport in Zimbabwe
Various activities were held worldwide to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 29 this year.
Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata of Japan, in collaboration with the Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater, delivered a spectacular visual feast for the overseas Chinese and Japanese audiences in Sendai.
The performance, featuring the elements of Dunhuang culture and the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty, attracted about 2,000 spectators. Many Japanese people praised the colorful Chinese culture and expressed their hope to go to China to see with their own eyes and understand Chinese culture and traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival.
"It's the first time I've seen such a performance. It's so gorgeous. I'm really touched. This Spring Festival event is also an opportunity for Japan and China to further develop friendly relations. If there is any chance for a performance like this in the future, I would like to come and watch it. I also really want to travel to China now," said a Japanese audience member.
"Happy to know that cultural heritage like the Spring Festival was included on the Representative List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, I think it's great to be able to celebrate such a festival in Japan. I really hope everyone can take a look and learn about the Spring Festival," said another audience member.
"We want to invite performers from Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater to present Dunhuang-themed music and dance which is full of Silk Road cultural elements. This will allow local people to see the mutual learning between Chinese and Japanese civilizations," said Cui Weilei, Consul-General of China in Niigata.
Budapest's Chinatown was alive with energy on Saturday as the streets were filled with music, dance, and the aroma of traditional Chinese delicacies during a two-day Spring Festival celebration.
The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together numerous visitors and performers to usher in the upcoming Year of the Snake. They enjoyed the magnificent dragon and lion dances, ethnic performances, sugar-figure blowing, calligraphy demonstrations, and the unique experience of wearing traditional attire Hanfu.
"We come here because we have a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and Chinese traditions, and a special interest in Chinese music. I think the most important part of Chinese culture is Chinese food because the best way to bring people from all over the world together is to sit around a table and eat together," said a resident in Budapest.
Colorful celebrations and Spring Festival receptions were also held at many Chinese embassies and consulates around the world.
By showcasing Spring Festival customs and intangible cultural heritage, these events allowed local communities to experience the festive vibes of the Spring Festival up close.
In Dubai, over 1,000 performers and artists from around the world came together to blend traditional Chinese culture with modern art through a rich variety of performances, drawing a large number of audience. The airing of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group also became a highlight of the evening.
A reception was held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.
Around 600 attendees including Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, Ahmed Shaheen, Egyptian assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, representatives of the Egyptian government and people from all walks of life were gathered.
"On the occasion of the coming of the Spring Festival, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to dear Chinese friends," said Shaheen in a speech.
Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide