inDrive has officially launched its ride-hailing services in Lusaka, Zambia, entering a competitive market alongside platforms like Bolt and Yango. As part of its strategy to attract drivers, inDrive announced six months of zero commission for drivers, allowing them to retain 100% of their earnings. This move offers immediate financial benefits and aims to boost driver satisfaction from the outset. After the initial period, inDrive plans to introduce a low commission rate, ensuring drivers continue to earn more compared to competitors.
What Sets inDrive Apart
To ensure safety, inDrive requires all drivers to undergo thorough background checks, including verification of licenses and necessary documentation. The platform also provides real-time GPS tracking, enabling users to share trip details with friends and family. It also has an emergency button that connects passengers directly with local authorities if needed.
Read More: inDrive Rewards Top Drivers in Nigeria for Excellent Service
What sets inDrive apart is its unique fare negotiation model. Passengers can propose a price for their trip, which drivers can either accept, counter, or decline without penalties. This model, according to Ashif Black, Business Development Representative for inDrive Africa, offers drivers and passengers more control over pricing, moving away from the rigid pricing algorithms used by other platforms. Black emphasized that this flexibility, addresses key challenges in the ride-hailing industry and aims to provide a fairer experience for drivers.
The ride-hailing market in Zambia is on the rise. Statista projects that the industry will generate $8.91 million by the end of 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.79%, reaching $14.21 million by 2029. inDrive’s entry into this growing market brings added competition to the industry.
While Yango and Bolt have already established operations in Zambia, inDrive’s zero-commission launch strategy and flexible pricing model could give it an edge. Bolt launched in Lusaka in 2023, followed by expansions to Ndola and Kitwe in 2024. However, with inDrive’s global presence in over 779 cities across 40 countries, the company is poised to make a strong impact in Zambia as well.
