- inDrive has announced the launch of its ride-hailing service in Lusaka, Zambia, competing with existing companies such as Bolt and Yango.
- According to a statement, the company will waive commission fees for drivers in Lusaka during its first six months of operation. This zero-commission period allows drivers to keep 100% of their earnings, providing direct and immediate financial benefits.
- Following that, a standard low commission will be implemented, ensuring higher earnings for drivers to stifle competition in the country.
The company stated that all drivers will go through background checks, including the verification of licences and other required documentation, to ensure that only dependable drivers are on the road.
As part of its safety measures, the platform includes real-time GPS tracking, allowing users to share trip details with friends and family and an emergency button that instantly connects users with local authorities in the event of a safety concern.
The company also introduced a negotiation system where passengers can set their pickup and drop-off locations and propose a fare while verified drivers nearby receive the request and can either accept the proposed fare, suggest a counteroffer, or decline the trip entirely—without facing penalties
Ashif Black, Business Development Representative for inDrive in Africa, clarified that the negotiation model empowers drivers and passengers by giving them control over their pricing, rather than leaving it in the hands of an algorithm.
“We believe this flexibility, along with our zero-commission benefit, will address many of the current challenges in the industry and provide a fairer, more rewarding experience for drivers, ” he added.
inDrive tends to enter the growing ride-hailing market, increasing competition. According to Statista, the ride-hailing market in Zambia is expected to generate $8.91 million. By 2024, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.79%, resulting in a projected market volume of $14.21 million by 2029.
Among the existing ride-hailing companies is Yango which launched its operations in Lusaka in 2022 and has expanded to more cities such as Solwezi, Kitwe and Ndola.
In 2023, Bolt also launched in Lusaka, Zambia, offering charging drivers no commission for a minimum of 6 months. Following its successful run in the country’s capital, the company expanded to two new cities, Ndola and Kitwe, in 2024.
InDrive operates in over 779 cities across 40 countries. On October 2, 2024, it announced further expansion of operations in Zimbabwe and launched courier services to enable individuals and businesses to send packages safely and efficiently.
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
