Re-Cycle sends first container of bikes to Africycle in Malawi

Re-Cycle, a charity based in Essex, has announced the shipment of its first container of bikes to a new partner in Malawi.

The shipment of bikes is the result of a new partnership with NGO, Africycle, and is Re-Cycle’s 340th container of bikes to be shipped to Africa since it was established in 1998.

The container holds 500 bicycles, as well as a variety of spare parts, all generously donated by charity supporters from across the UK. After travelling by sea and then by land, the container is expected to reach Africycle by the end of January.

Re-Cycle director Charlotte Ward comments: “We are so excited to see our 340th container, jam-packed with bikes, leave the UK destined for Malawi. Working with Africycle expands our reach beyond Ghana, Sierra Leone, South Africa, The Gambia and Zambia to help transform lives for rural communities in Africa.

“This landmark shipment represents the first step in what promises to be a long-lasting and impactful partnership with Africycle.”

Bicycles as a force for transformational good

Re-Cycle supports many of Africycle’s key initiatives, including a microloan program that helps low-income families access bicycles. For many communities with restrained opportunities or limited resources in Malawi, the upfront cost of a bike is unaffordable.

Instead of saving for a bike, families often spend their funds on daily transport just to access basic needs like markets, healthcare, water, and farms. Through a network of women called Village Bicycle Agents, Africycle offers a financing program where families can receive a bike and repay the cost over 4-5 months. The savings from not having to pay for hired transport make it easier for families to meet their monthly payments.

Once families no longer need to spend a large portion of their income on transport, they can build their financial independence. The bicycle provides more time for farming, as 80% of

Malawians are subsistence farmers. It also allows families to save for their children’s education and healthcare, invest in assets like livestock and land, and create opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurship, helping to improve their financial security.

In a country facing severe economic challenges due to Cyclone Freddy and currency devaluation, bicycles are vital for providing access to schools, healthcare, markets, and job opportunities.

Supporting Re-Cycle

Anyone who would like to support Re-Cycle, can donate to its Christmas appeal or donate a bike through one of many drop-off points across the country. Every contribution helps Re-Cycle continue its work to make a real difference.

To find out more, visit re-cycle.org