The MicroFactory
A Business in a box
To achieve sustainable economic growth and promote electric mobility and solar energy, we started the first
MicroFactory in Windhoek, where we manufacture Africanised E-Bike solutions. Together with students from different faculties, our team designs and manufactures Africa's first Utility E-Bikes in Namibia, for Africa. What makes our E-Bikes unique is the simplified design and open-source technology, which can be manufactured and assembled in our Microfactory, using local craftsmen, simple tools and equipment. This allows the concept to be easily replicated into other African regions. The MicroFactory is economically sustainable, modular, easily scalable and creates jobs, know-how and awareness for a carbon neutral future.
Benefits of MicroFactories
List of Services
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Creates Jobs / Know-HowList Item 1
Creating jobs and passing knowledge are vital for economic growth and community development. By generating employment opportunities, businesses empower individuals with income and financial stability. Sharing knowledge, whether through mentorship, training, or skill development, ensures that workers are better equipped to excel in their roles, fosters innovation, and builds a sustainable future by enabling the next generation of skilled professionals.
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Service and Maintenance CenterList Item 2
A Service and Maintenance Center is a facility dedicated to the upkeep, repair, and routine maintenance of the bikes. It provides a range of services including diagnostics, repairs, part replacements, and preventive maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the assets.Some of the service include battery checks, motor servicing, brake adjustments, and tire replacements, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the bikes for customers.
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Uses Local Available MaterialList Item 3
Using locally available materials is the practice of sourcing resources from nearby regions to produce goods or provide services. This approach supports local economies, reduces transportation costs, and minimizes the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping. In industries such as manufacturing and construction, utilizing local materials often leads to faster supply chains, fosters regional sustainability, and encourages innovation by adapting materials to specific local conditions.
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Stipulates Local Supplier / BusinessList Item 4
Stipulating the use of local suppliers or businesses means prioritizing and requiring partnerships with companies within the same geographic area for sourcing products, materials, or services. This practice strengthens the local economy by supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and keeping financial resources within the community. It also builds stronger local supply chains, fosters innovation, and often results in quicker response times due to the proximity of partners.
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Can be shipped via road / sea
Containers can be shipped via road or sea to facilitate the efficient and secure transport of goods across different modes of transportation. These containers are standardized to fit seamlessly on trucks for road transport and on ships for sea freight, enabling a flexible and cost-effective logistics solution. The use of containers reduces handling time, protects goods from damage during transit, and allows for easy transfer between trucks, trains, and ships.
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Easy to replicate and to scale up
It is factory that is easy to replicate and scale up, designed with simplicity, modularity, and efficiency in mind. Such a facility uses standardized processes, equipment, and layouts that can be easily duplicated in different locations. The use of flexible production systems allows for quick adjustments to meet changing demand, and modular infrastructure ensures that the factory can be expanded incrementally as needed. This approach minimizes startup costs and speeds up implementation when establishing new sites.
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Open source technology
Open source technology refers to software, tools, or hardware designs that are made publicly available for anyone to access, modify, and share. This model encourages collaboration and innovation by allowing developers, businesses, and users to contribute to the improvement and customization of the technology. Open source promotes transparency, reduces costs by eliminating licensing fees, and speeds up development through collective problem-solving.
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Promotes solar power and is carbon neutral solutions
Promoting solar power and achieving carbon neutrality involves the integration of renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. By utilizing solar power, businesses or facilities harness clean, renewable energy from the sun, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
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Women Friendly Frame Design
A women-friendly frame bike design prioritizes ergonomics, comfort, and ease of use tailored to the unique needs of female riders. Key features often include a lower top tube or step-through frame, allowing for easier mounting and dismounting, particularly when wearing skirts or dresses. The bike’s geometry may be adjusted for shorter torsos and longer legs, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient riding position.
What can the MicroFactory manufacture

The African BushBike

The African CargoBike
E-Bike Trailer

PV battery charging and swapping
Traditional approach vs. MicroFactory approach

How does it work
4 steps to start a MicroFactroy

1.
Define project with partners
Define user / use case / market
What BushBike model, integrate local spare parts available
2.
Preparation of container in Namibia
Source parts / spare parts, battery, motor, tyres
Source tools and equipment for the manufacturing process
Build JIG for frame, source PV charging
3.
Set up MicroFactory
Training of local entrepreneur and team
Set up tools, jig, work stations, organize storage
Establish manufacturing processes, Quality control
Set up IT system and documentation
Training in Business Admin, Accounting, Marketing
4.
Start operation
Start manufacturing first patch of BushBikes
Quality control and improvement of processes
Start sales and rentals to local community
Offers solar charging and battery swapping
Deliveries, BodaBoda Taxi, tourism