Over the past two decades, the number of motorcycles – both two- and three-wheelers – in sub-Saharan Africa has risen rapidly and is projected to increase further. This growth has been made possible by the availability of low-cost motorcycles and generated by their largely informal commercial use as passenger taxis and for deliveries.

Of an estimated 27 million motorcycles in the region some 80% are used as fee-charging passenger taxis or for delivery services. The vehicles play a vital role for many families and businesses. But they are also a dangerous means of transport. As many as 100,000 riders and passengers are killed each year on sub-Saharan Africa’s roads.

Lack of training for riders as well as inadequate road infrastructure are among the factors behind the escalating number of crashes. In many African countries, appropriate formal training for motorcycle riders does not exist. Currently, less than one in five motorcycle riders in Africa have undertaken training.

Amend is a non-profit organisation that has been working since 2005 to help ensure safe and healthy journeys in more than a dozen countries across sub-Saharan Africa, including through research and advocacy as well as training and education.

Since 2020, Amend has trained over 3,000 motorcycle taxi riders in eight countries. Its practical training course is based on the United Kingdom’s compulsory basic training for motorcyclists, tailored to the African context, and specifically designed for motorcycle taxi riders. Through its partnership with the Puma Energy Foundation, Amend will now expand this programme to two more countries: Malawi and Zambia.

Through our partnership, Amend aims to: provide 1,000 motorcycle taxi riders with training and improved knowledge on safe riding behaviour; generate interest among government officials in strengthened motorcycle training, testing, and licensing; and establish a model for scaling up the programme to more countries.

More importantly, the partnership hopes to contribute to a long-term reduction in the number and severity of motorcycle-related injuries among riders, their passengers and other road users.

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