Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 07/2009

Bamboo Bicycles in Kumasi, Ghana

April 2008

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and investment opportunity of implementing a bamboo bicycle production facility in Kumasi, Ghana, in conjunction with the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI) at Columbia University.

For this assessment, desk-based research and interviews with industry and regional subject matter specialists were completed to assist with the following objectives:

• Understand the current transportation modes and bicycle
market in Ghana
• Assess customer needs in Ghana to determine the suitability
of a bamboo bicycle for rural use
• Identify the potential market size and demand
• Understand the operational considerations and costs
associated with implementing a production facility
• Estimate the financial returns from investing in this opportunity