About Us
Providing Access to affordable and quality mobility
Africycle’s main purpose is to help improve access to quality and affordable bicycles in Malawi. This is being achieved through a network of partners and supporters who collect and ship second hand bicycles to our program from around the world. Once the bicycles are received in Malawi, they are rebuilt by a team of locally trained mechanics who return the bikes to like-new condition, ready for sale. The bicycles are then sold on at a low cost, helping us to mobilize the people in rural communities that can realize the greatest impact of improved transportation. Selling the bicycles allows Africycle to maintain a sustainable model, in which funds are used to cover the cost of shipping bikes and local operations, all the while, mobilizing Malawians as effectively as possible. Africycle also reinvests into the local communities through bike donations to local volunteer organizations and funds community child care programs that are helping to feed more than 500 orphaned and vulnerable children every.
Africycle became a registered Canadian Charity in 2007, a registered Malawian Trust in 2010 and has established an unmatched reputation for high quality, durable and affordable bicycles throughout Malawi.
HISTORY
The concept for Africycle was realized after recognizing the need for a quality bicycle in Malawi. After traveling to Malawi and experiencing first-hand how bikes were used, Africycle embarked on a pilot project that delivered 180 bikes to beneficiaries in Malawi. After delivering these bikes, a follow-up on this project saw the positive impact that Africycle’s bikes had on those who received them, and the high demand for such bicycles – specifically in communities in and around Zomba. The relationships and stories from the beneficiaries provided the inspiration to develop an ongoing means of supporting the growing needs of Malawians struggling in poverty.
The vision for Africycle, grew out of a recognition of need and a willingness to do something about it. Experiencing the need for bicycle infrastructure in Malawi, a team of people gathered in 2005 to begin the process of making change. What developed was a pilot project (Malawi Bike Project) that delivered 180 used Canadian bicycles to Malawi via shipping container, to beneficiaries in Malawi. The results from this project were encouraging and truly impactful, compelling those involved to delve deeper into how real change could be achieved. Through a continuing learning process, Africycle was formed as a registered Canadian Charity in 2007 to actively engage Canadians in creating economic and social opportunities for people in Malawi.
The first Africycle shop was planted in Zomba Malawi in July of 2007 and Africycle Malawi became registered as a Charitable Trust in 2010. Africycle has 4 shops spread throughout Malawi as well as a network of Village Bicycle Agents that help provide access to bicycles for rural households and communities. By 2020, over 16,000 bicycles have been shipped to Malawi, where they continue to be reclaimed as tools for change; helping to create economic and social opportunities for people in Malawi!
CORE VALUES
Faith – It is our call to bless others with the love and compassion with which we have been blessed. It is this core belief that motivates and drives the vision, mission and values on which Africycle has been founded.
Socially Responsible – Contribute to society to benefit others rather than just self.
Transparency – Integrity of character and action; committing to uphold the mission/vision we set out to achieve.
Community Involvement – Recognizing that we are not independent of the communities that we serve; striving to empower those who are willing to be involved in meaningful and effective ways.
Respect – Highest esteem for those who contribute time, money and resources; and respect for those whom we work to serve.
Environmentally Responsible – Engaging in and promoting activities that benefit the natural environment.
