Bicycles are more than a means of transportation: They enable access to education, career opportunities and are an important factor in protecting the environment and the climate. Every donated bike that finds a new home changes lives – be it through shorter journeys to school, new income opportunities or practical solutions to local challenges.
From the refurbishment of donated bicycles in Switzerland in collaboration with social institutions to the implementation of our programs in Africa with local partners: Our projects directly contribute to ten of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
Find out more about our projects and discover how bicycles in Africa foster education, opportunities and sustainable development.
Vocational training
Education with a future
Velafrica not only exports bicycles and spare parts to Africa, but also knowledge. Together with our partners in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania, we are opening bicycle workshops, establishing training networks and setting up vocational training programs.
→ learn more
Bike to School
Cycling to school
It takes pupils in Tanzania and Madagascar an average of 102 minutes to walk to school. That is 90 minutes more than it takes pupils in Switzerland. The routes to school are often not only long and tedious, but also dangerous – especially for girls. → learn more
Bikepreneur
Quick career start
This short-term training program for young people in Tanzania teaches the basics of bicycle mechanics, business start-ups and innovation in just ten months. The course is practice-oriented and free of charge – a valuable resource for a quick start to professional life or for setting up their own business. → learn more
Community center «Velowerkstatt am See»
Community through working on bicycles
With the bike workshop at the Egelsee, we are creating a place where people with a refugee background and local residents can work together as equals, learn from each other and support each other. Here, community is created by repairing bikes together – in a meaningful and practical way. → learn more
Bike for Trees
Bikes for a women’s cooperative
In the arid north of Tanzania, committed women are setting an example for climate protection and self-reliance. Thanks to bicycles, they are planting seedlings and thus helping to protect the environment and the soil. This sustainable initiative also strengthens the women’s economic independence and creates new sources of income. → learn more
Bikes for Changemakers
Using bikes for change
Whether it is access to education, healthcare, job opportunities or everyday errands: In remote regions of Tanzania, long distances are often insurmountable hurdles. With bicycles and a comprehensive maintenance service, the «Bike for Changemakers» project supports families from poor backgrounds in creating new prospects and strengthening their communities. → learn more
How you can support our projects
Behind every bicycle that is given a new life in Africa lies a comprehensive infrastructure. From collection points in Switzerland and workshops where donated bicycles are refurbished to the transport to Africa and the cooperation with local partner organisations – none of this would be possible without your support.
Every contribution counts
By donating money, you can make a direct contribution to keeping our activities going. Whether it is spare parts for repairs. Transport costs or training – every contribution helps to create mobility and opportunities. Even with a small amount, you can make a big difference.
For example, with 30 francs you can finance two repair kits for flat tires.
For example, with 75 francs you cover the cost to repair and export of a bicycle.
For example, with 120 francs you can help set up a course in bicycle mechanics in Burkina Faso
Your unused bike, new perspectives
A bicycle that you do not need anymore can also make an important contribution. A bicycle donation provides mobility: people in Africa use bicycles to get to school, to access the market or to transport goods. You can donate your bicycle at one of our collection points or at one of our collection campaigns.
Create mobility by volunteering
If you prefer to volunteer and get actively involved, there are many ways to support Velafrica. Many Velafrica fans have already collected donations for Velafrica with bike tours. Others organize bike collections for a good cause. Whether with a campaign in your community, at your school or at a local event – your commitment is the first step towards a bicycle creating mobility in Africa.
At the «Velowerkstatt am See» you can help refurbish donated bicycles for the export to Africa – an inspiring environment that facilitates exchange and shared learning. Whether you want to make your first repair experiences, deepen your knowledge or simply lend a hand to like-minded people, the workshop is a space for everyone.
New projects
Velafrica focuses on expanding and deepening existing projects in collaboration with long-standing partners. We are not looking for new projects at the moment in order to use our resources specifically for sustainable impact.
