A bike to generate electricity, the idea of Bongajum Lesley Ndzi

(Ecofin Agency)-the electricity deficit is one of the major obstacles to economic and social development in Africa. In Cameroon, entrepreneur Bongajum Lesley Ndzi believes that the solution lies in the Bonga Power bike, a bicycle that produces electricity when pedal.

Bonga Power bike allows users to generate energy to meet their basic needs (lighting, electrical load, electrical power supply) while exercising. The bike converts the generated mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is stored in a battery.

When a user starts pedaling, he starts an engine equipped with coils that produce electricity by electromagnetism. Bongajum Lesley Ndzi, the designer, explains on FairPlanet that he came up with the idea in response to incessant power cuts, a situation that disrupted his education as a child.

"when there were power cuts, we used candles and tinplate lamps to read, which affected my eyes and lungs. When I grew up and became an entrepreneur, my business was affected by frequent power outages that kept my products running (fruit juices). "

A fitness enthusiast, he wondered in one of his workouts how he could channel all the energy he was spending into something useful. After research, he created a prototype from abandoned car, motorcycle and bicycle parts.

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Despite the abundance of natural resources and clean energy sources such as solar and wind turbines, Africa still faces energy poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than half of the population is not connected to national electricity supply networks. Those who have access to it face high electricity bills and frequent cuts.

Involving young innovators who have demonstrated their ability to find local solutions to African problems could help to improve access to electricity. The main objective of Bonga Power bike is to give everyone the opportunity to produce it.

While this idea has been very successful in the community, Bongajum Lesley Ndzi regrets the lack of financial support from the local government. This, in his view, constitutes an obstacle to the deployment of the aircraft to as many people as possible, particularly in rural areas. The contractor is exploring various options and partnerships to address this issue.

However, Bonga Power bike has already received many awards from the private sector and development agencies. Bongajum Lesley aims for large-scale production to enlighten rural Africa.

Aisha Moyouzame