Our work in Kenya and Zambia
BEN Namibia's work is internationally recognised, and we are now supporting partners in Kenya and Zambia to help replicate our Namibian Bicycle Empowerment Centre (BEC) programme. Zambikes are now supporting three BECs in Zambia, with plans for more.
BEN Namibia recently assisted Wheels of Africa in Nairobi with a strategic planning process that will help it to implement BECs throughout Kenya, as well as promoting cycling generally. BEN Namibia is also supporting Wheels of Africa with training and quality tools.

Mapping our success
BEN Namibia's Bicycle Empowerment Centre programme has grown from one outlet in 2006, to an extensive network of shops where Namibians can buy affordable bikes and repairs. The map below shows the locations of projects, and if you're in Namibia looking for a bike you can find phone numbers to phone ahead and see whether your nearest BEC has what you need in stock.

View Bicycle Empowerment Network in a larger map

Windhoek township tours by bicycle
BEN Namibia is proud to support a new bicycle tourism venture. KatuTours offers visitors a unique and intimate way of interacting with Windhoek's former segregated area: by bicycle. BEN Namibia provided business development support to help get this Namibian-owned company up and running, and sourced bicycles through our partners Re~Cycle and ITDP.

Support real empowerment
BEN Namibia aims to expand its network of Bicycle Empowerment Centres (BECs) in Namibia in 2013, creating more jobs and making affordable mobility available to even more Namibians. This year we reached the milestone of our 25,000th bicycle imported, but this has only been possible with your support. You can donate online here from anywhere in the world.

Thanks to our Supporters
BEN Namibia is incredibly grateful for the support it receives from donors and partners and looks forward to continuing our work together.

A bicycle's benefit in sub-Saharan Africa
Numerous studies have demonstrated that bicycles are an appropriate technology for travelling short distances in developing countries, with the lowest operating costs of all available modes in sub-Saharan Africa.

A bicycle carries up to five times the weight and can travel four times as fast as a person walking, using much less energy.

As an example, bicycle-related activities can:

• Improve access to income generation opportunities.
• Provide sustainable transportation for low-income earners.
• Increase access to government services, including health care and education.
• Mobilise home-based care volunteers to visit more people living with HIV.
• Provide sporting opportunities for young athletes.

BEN Namibia is a section 21 association not for gain no. 21 2005 0019

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