In the vibrant environment of Cocody, an upscale neighborhood in Abidjan, Bamba Édith Christine donned her biking gear, complete with a helmet and her signature blue-rimmed glasses. She confidently turned on her 900cc Yamaha Tracer and rode off from her home near the Ébrié Lagoon.
Known by the moniker “Bambina” on social media, Bamba quickly joined her fellow motorcyclists, a part of an expanding community of biking enthusiasts who are striving to ensure their voices are decisive among the increasing number of road users in West Africa’s dynamic economy.
Her destination was a meeting at the headquarters of the Ivorian Association of Motorcycles and Related Organisations (AIMA), an organization dedicated to advocating for bikers' rights and interests across the nation. AIMA plays a crucial part in safeguarding the freedoms of bikers like Bamba, allowing them to navigate roads that can be perilous due to unregulated drivers in many regions.
"Motorcycling is about more than just riding; it's about exploring various landscapes and cultures. It presents both a physical and mental challenge that encourages pushing one's limits and stepping outside one's comfort zone," Bamba shared.
Amid her promotional efforts, she is gearing up for an ambitious, self- financed motorcycle journey of 25,000 kilometers across Europe in 2026. This endeavor aims to spotlight women's roles in motorsports and enhance the global visibility of Côte d’Ivoire and Africa.
Bamba is also passionate about inspiring youth to transcend societal boundaries through her adventures, which have already seen her travel over 30,000 kilometers across Africa. With more than 20 years of riding experience, her journey serves as a narrative against gender stereotypes, showcasing women's leadership in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
At a recent gathering in the organization’s meeting room, discussions primarily revolved around the planning of an upcoming major parade and updates on the federation’s initiatives. Through AIMA, Bamba links her professional aspirations with her fervor for biking, viewing it as a unique opportunity for community leadership.
"My passion for biking drives me to explore new cultures while enjoying a sense of freedom," she revealed.
As of 2024, according to the Black African Riders group, Bamba holds the record for the longest distance traveled by an African woman on a motorcycle, having journeyed approximately 7,000 km from Abidjan to Gombé in northwest Nigeria, and around 14,000 km to Marrakech in Morocco that same year. However, this record is currently being challenged by emerging figures in the female biking community.
Social media personalities like Nigerian Udoh Ebaide Joy (@go_ebaide), who captivated audiences during her solo motorcycle expedition across 20 countries in Africa, and fellow Nigerian Omolewa Adesuyi, known as “Mama Spade,” who garnered a significant following after her solo ride from Nigeria to South Africa, have become inspirational figures for young women.
Bamba received the prestigious Woman Biker of the Year award at the 2024 Ivorian Bikers Festival, yet she remains focused on her objectives. Decorated with awards and symbols of her accomplishments, her workspace illustrates her commitment to leadership. As the president of the Majesty Group Motards, along with AIMA, she champions motorsports and fosters solidarity among bikers, presiding over a dedicated community.
"There are numerous challenges to face, such as proving our significance as integral members of society. I aim to demonstrate that a woman can lead with sensitivity, conviction, strength, and kindness," she emphasized.
The expanding sisterhood among motorcyclists on the continent is reshaping perceptions of biking as not only a sport or hobby but also a lifestyle. “Bambina” stands out for her bravery, discipline, and commitment, inspiring women beyond Côte d’Ivoire to engage in this challenging discipline that has traditionally been male-oriented.
Among those who admire her is Isabelle Ouattara, a budding motorcyclist who looks up to Bamba as a guiding figure.
"Bambina motivates me to fully embrace my biking passion. As a female motorcyclist and president of the federation, she is a positive role model in this domain," Ouattara commented. "She is among the few women known to have completed a ride from Ivory Coast to Morocco, exemplifying resilience."
Bamba’s advocacy transcends symbolism, addressing broader issues related to mobility in Africa. Under her leadership, AIMA has been effective in unifying motorcyclists in Côte d'Ivoire through a spirit of collaboration. Her vision now extends to enhancing the safety and living conditions of all two- and three-wheeled vehicle users.
"We aim to unite motorcycle clubs like a family and, with support from our governments, enhance the circumstances for all motorcyclists, irrespective of their bike sizes. Our objectives include improving training and supervision for two- and three-wheeled vehicle users and enhancing traffic regulations for their safety and that of other road users. We aspire to revitalize and innovate the motorcycle community in Côte d'Ivoire and Africa," she outlined with confidence.
Travel expert Yelby Abdoul Aziz shed light on the challenges faced by African travelers on motorcycles.
"Crossing borders is often exhausting for us, as we constantly have to provide passes and other documentation. Particularly at English-speaking borders, we are often asked for documents not required by French-speaking nations. If initiatives can streamline these processes and enhance our freedom of movement across Africa, it would be tremendously beneficial for us," he noted.
Bamba aims to lead the charge toward a more united and safe Africa for motorcyclists. Her story exemplifies how a woman can drive significant change.
After their meeting, motorcyclists participated in a parade through Cocody, initiated under Bamba's precise direction. She meticulously oversaw every detail, motivating her colleagues before taking the lead, with the sound of roaring engines trailing behind her.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!