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Jun 03, 2026
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Zimbabwe's E-Tricycle Crackdown Threatens Rural Women's Livelihoods

AI Summary
The Zimbabwean government's crackdown on e-tricycles has put the livelihoods of rural women at risk, who rely on these vehicles to transport goods and earn a living. The women, mostly single mothers and widows, are struggling to comply with costly registration and licensing fees.

The E-Tricycle Initiative

In May 2024, 40 women in Hauna, Zimbabwe, received e-tricycles, known as Hamba, to run a small transport business. The e-tricycles, powered by lithium batteries and reaching a maximum speed of 25km per hour, were introduced to empower women in rural areas.

Source of Income

Daires Mutamangira, one of the women, uses her e-tricycle to transport goods for a fee. In a good month, she makes a profit of about $250, which helps her support her family.

  • Mutamangira's husband is unemployed, and she is the breadwinner.
  • She pays all the household bills and feeds and clothes their four children.

Police Crackdown Crippling Women's Businesses

In February 2025, the police started impounding e-tricycles, demanding registration and driving licences. The women are struggling to comply with the costly fees, which amount to nearly $500.

  • The police have impounded several e-tricycles, and the women have been forced to stop operations.
  • The women need nearly $500 for a driver's licence, e-tricycle registration fees, vehicle licence, and insurance.

Bureaucracies Complicate Women's Lobbying Efforts

The women have been lobbying the government to introduce a new law that recognises the benefits of their slow-speed, clean tricycles. However, the process is complicated by multiple government agencies and bureaucracies.

  • The Ministry of Transport regulates highways, while Rural District Councils regulate tertiary roads.
  • The Ministry of Finance sets the licence and vehicle fees.

The Future of E-Tricycles in Zimbabwe

The women are appealing to the government to fast-track changes to the law so they can operate freely. The world is shifting to green transport, and current transport policies and regulations require review.

  • The founder of Mobility for Africa, Shantha Bloemen, believes that the regulations create barriers to entry for rural communities.
  • The Minister of State for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza, has promised to address the issue.