A wave of innovation is reshaping how people commute in Southern Africa. New systems and solutions are emerging, challenging the traditional approaches to passenger transport in the region.
These solutions are the designs of several innovative startup companies that are leveraging technology to redefine mobility operations in the region. These solutions range from innovative vehicle designs focusing on efficiency and sustainability to convenient ride-hailing services and vehicle financing models.
Here, we’re exploring nine notable mobility startups that are leading the way in reshaping transportation services in East Africa.
Zimi
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Zimi is an innovative mobility-focused startup improving fleet management and operational efficiency for transport service providers. The company focuses on providing energy options and related services for mobility companies using electric vehicles.
Zimi primarily provides charging solutions for companies operating electric vehicles. The company operates multiple EV charging centres located strategically all over their areas of coverage. In addition, they also help businesses roll out charging infrastructure at any location.
Zimi’s solution enables transport businesses and electric vehicle operators to effortlessly manage their energy requirements. Through its solutions, the company also promotes eco-friendly mobility and sustainable transportation in Southern Africa.
Planet42
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Planet42 is a pioneering mobility-fintech company revolutionizing accessibility to personal transportation assets in Southern Africa. The company assists individuals and corporations to own vehicles by giving them flexible vehicle financing options.
Planet42 provides financial models and technology to enable individuals to obtain reliable, quality vehicles without incurring a huge upfront cost. It operates an accessible vehicle rent-to-buy model, which allows clients to obtain vehicles with minimal upfront costs and pay for them in monthly instalments.
Planet42’s solution is aimed at breaking down economic barriers to affordable personal mobility. The company bridges the gap between aspiration and reality, helping individuals improve their economic prospects and own their dream vehicles.
Everlectric
Year Founded: 2022
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Everlectric is a trailblazing technology startup advancing the adoption of sustainable transportation in Southern Africa. The company takes a holistic approach to electric vehicle (EV) solutions provision, offering a range of services and products tailored to make sustainable transport more accessible to all.
Everlectric’s comprehensive solution bundles commercial electric vehicle provision, charging infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and a cutting-edge digital IoT platform together to be a one-stop option for users to get all their EV needs addressed.
Everlectric’s solution directly addresses the challenges businesses face when adopting electric vehicles. By providing an all-encompassing solution, Everlectric significantly reduces the barriers associated with EV adoption for its clients.
Michanic
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Michanic is an innovative startup enhancing mobility and transport operations in Africa by providing easy access to quality auto care. The company serves individual vehicle owners and transport service providers by providing them with convenient, affordable and reliable vehicle maintenance and repairs, anytime, and anywhere.
Michanic operates a digital platform through which clients can book and request maintenance services for their vehicles. The company responds to and caters to repair requests for vehicles anywhere, whether at home, in an office environment or stuck on the road.
Michanics’ solutions border on convenience for clients. It brings professional mechanics directly to the customer’s doorstep, eliminating the hassle of driving to a service centre. Thus, it helps the customers save valuable time.
Lefa Transportation Service
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Lefa Transportation Service is a pioneering mobility startup redefining ride-hailing and commercial transport services in Namibia. The company leverages technology to provide a comprehensive range of transportation solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
Lefa’s primary products encompass a variety of offerings, including airport shuttle transfer, cab-hailing and delivery services. It operates a digital platform where commuters can easily request rides and other services.
Lefa combines cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach to give its users smooth, reliable, and hassle-free services. By providing efficient and affordable transportation options, Lefa contributes to the improvement of urban mobility in Namibia.
Thula Solutions
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Thula Solutions is an innovative technology company providing sustainable mobility solutions for South Africans living near nature in rural areas. The company aims to make transportation in the safari regions cleaner, quieter, energy efficient and more sustainable.
Thula develops a range of solutions tailored to make inhabiting rural areas more pleasant and enjoyable. However, its highlight products are its electric safari vehicles, which it manufactures, sells and offers for rentals to people who prefer electric vehicles for their trips across the South African countryside.
Overall, Thula’s solutions are aimed at making inhabiting rural South Africa more pleasant. Its electric vehicles are designed to minimize the environmental impacts of transportation and foster eco-friendly mobility in rural areas across the country.
Mazibuko Motor Company
Year Founded: 2020
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Mazibuko Motor Company is a technology start-up advancing the adoption of cleaner transport solutions in South Africa. The company develops battery-electric vehicles and clean energy storage systems.
Mazibuko Motor Company’s battery-electric vehicles are designed with priority on efficiency, performance, and environmental consciousness. The company’s clean energy storage solutions also enable EV owners to get easy access to fuelling options.
Mazibuko Motor Company’s unwavering dedication to eco-friendly transportation has been impactful. The company is driving the transition from traditional fossil-fueled cars to environmentally friendly electric alternatives. Through their innovations, they inspire a shift toward eco-conscious transportation practices.
ScootHero
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
ScootHero is an innovative technology startup developing advanced sustainable mobility solutions for South Africans. Its solutions are aimed at helping companies overcome the burden of operating fleets of petrol-fuelled vehicles by providing them with more environmental friendly alternatives.
ScootHero provides a holistic transport solution which includes electric vehicle development and deployment, fleet management, vehicle maintenance and many more operations. Its products and services are aimed at making transportation systems more profitable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
ScootHero’s solutions serve more than just individual businesses, it’s also available to individuals who are open to embracing eco-friendly transport solutions. Through its innovative use of technology, ScootHero is playing a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for urban mobility.
Mellowcabs
Year Founded: 2013
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
MellowCab is a groundbreaking startup redefining commuting and last-mile delivery in Southern Africa. The company provides sustainable mobility solutions, enabling transport service providers to utilize energy-efficient and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
MellowCab offers a range of meticulously designed electric cabs that cater to diverse customer needs. The company’s fleet of electric, eco-friendly vehicles provides cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable transport alternatives for commuters.
By promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, the company contributes significantly to environmental conservation. Moreover, MellowCab plays a vital role in shaping urban mobility by providing a reliable and eco-conscious alternative to conventional taxis, encouraging other players in the industry to prioritize sustainability.
