Bamboo Labs is an award-winning social enterprise in Ethiopia working to address the growing demand for sustainable and accessible mobility in Addis Ababa.
Capitalizing on the huge supply of bamboo in the country, they use this natural resource in a previously unknown way: creating wheelchairs and bicycles made out of bamboo for the local market.
Founded by a young Ethiopian entrepreneur Abel Hailegiorgis, the company began its work in 2019 by addressing a need for improved mobility for wheelchair users in Addis Ababa and has since expanded into making bamboo bike frames.
Using locally sourced bamboo, Bamboo Labs is already creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. The company is also advocating for more sustainable modes of transport and a reduced carbon footprint.