inDrive, a global ride-hailing service provider, has recently expanded its operations to Lusaka, Zambia, positioning itself as a strong competitor against established players like Bolt and Yango in the local market. In a strategic move to attract drivers and gain a foothold in the Zambian market, inDrive has declared that it will not charge any commission fees for the first six months of its service in Lusaka.
This initiative allows drivers to retain the entirety of their earnings, offering them a significant financial advantage from the outset. Following this introductory period, the company plans to introduce a nominal commission fee, which is promised to be competitively low to maintain an edge over other ride-hailing services and to continue providing drivers with the opportunity to earn more.
To ensure the safety and reliability of its service, inDrive has implemented stringent background checks for all drivers, including the verification of their licenses and other necessary documents. This vetting process is designed to build a trustworthy network of drivers for the platform.
The company has also integrated robust safety features into its platform, such as real-time GPS tracking, which enables passengers to share their trip details with loved ones. Additionally, an emergency button feature is available, offering users a quick way to contact local authorities if they encounter any safety issues during their ride.
A unique aspect of inDrive’s service is the introduction of a fare negotiation system. This system empowers passengers to propose their own fares for trips, while nearby verified drivers receive these requests and have the option to accept the proposed fare, make a counteroffer, or decline the trip without any penalties. This approach provides both drivers and passengers with greater control over pricing, moving away from algorithm-determined fares.
Ashif Black, inDrive’s Business Development Representative for Africa, emphasized that this negotiation model is designed to address existing challenges in the ride-hailing industry by offering a more equitable and satisfying experience for both drivers and passengers.
The ride-hailing market in Zambia is on an upward trajectory, with Statista projecting that it will generate $8.91 million in revenue. Furthermore, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.79%, potentially reaching a market volume of $14.21 million by 2029.
Yango, one of inDrive’s competitors, commenced operations in Lusaka in 2022 and has since expanded to other Zambian cities, including Solwezi, Kitwe, and Ndola. Bolt, another competitor, launched in Lusaka in 2023 and similarly offered a commission-free period for drivers for at least six months. Following its success in the capital, Bolt expanded its services to Ndola and Kitwe in 2024.
inDrive, which operates in over 779 cities across 40 countries, announced on October 2, 2024, that it is further extending its reach within Zimbabwe and is also launching courier services to facilitate secure and efficient package delivery for individuals and businesses.
