Driving Change: Empowering Electric Auto-Rickshaw Entrepreneurs in Dhangadhi
From March 9 to March 11, 2025, a three-day workshop was successfully held in Ghodaghodi, Dhangadhi, bringing together 10 electric auto-rickshaw business owners to strengthen their business growth. Organized under the GIZ EnDev Nepal project, in collaboration with Community Rural Electricity Entities (CREE) and Byapar Briddhi Bikalpa, this initiative marked a significant milestone—likely the first of its kind in Dhangadhi! Based on research conducted in July 2024, electric auto-rickshaws emerged as one of the most feasible business opportunities for rural communities. With a focus on simple yet effective business growth strategies, this workshop was designed to uplift local entrepreneurs and equip them with the skills needed to thrive.
For years, electric auto-rickshaws have been transforming mobility in rural Nepal, offering an affordable and sustainable means of transport. In Ghodaghodi, Dhangadhi, dedicated drivers and small business owners have been operating their e-rickshaws, supporting their families and communities. However, like many small businesses, they faced challenges—limited business knowledge, financial management struggles, lack of growth strategies, and less knowledge of vehicle maintenance.
Recognizing this, GIZ EnDev Nepal, in collaboration with Community Rural Electricity Entities (CREE) and Byapar Briddhi Bikalpa, conducted a three-day workshop from March 9 to March 11, 2025, to strengthen the business potential of these entrepreneurs. Likely the first of its kind in Dhangadhi, this workshop was designed to provide practical business skills, financial literacy, and growth strategies tailored to electric auto-rickshaw businesses.
This initiative was a result of the research conducted in July 2024, which identified electric auto-rickshaws as one of the most viable business models in rural communities in Far Western Nepal. With 10 local business owners participating, the training focused on simple yet impactful ways to scale their operations, manage their income better, and sustain long-term profitability.
By the end of the workshop, participants expressed newfound confidence in managing their businesses, with actionable strategies to expand their customer base and financial stability. This is not just about running a rickshaw—it’s about driving economic empowerment, community progress, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
This is just the beginning! With continued support, small businesses like these can grow into powerful engines of change in Nepal’s rural economy.