Africa Ride-Hailing Market Size
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 2.53 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 3.16 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.50% |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Africa Ride-Hailing Market Analysis
The Africa Ride-Hailing Market size is estimated at USD 2.53 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 3.16 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Urbanization, a booming tourism sector, and escalating traffic woes in cities are set to propel the ride-hailing market's growth. As urbanization accelerates, cities become magnets for job seekers. Many of these urban dwellers, opting for cost-effective commuting over car ownership, turn to ride-hailing services. Moreover, with traffic congestion on the rise, daily commuters are increasingly shunning the exhausting grind of self-driving.
Ride-hailing's popularity has surged in both developing African nations and established regions. This rising demand has spurred companies to enhance their offerings and broaden their reach via mobile platforms, ensuring they stay competitive.
Globally, ride-hailing firms are pivoting from gasoline to electric vehicles, targeting a significant reduction in carbon emissions. This shift not only benefits the environment directly but also holds promise for ancillary markets. As electric vehicles become integral to ride-hailing fleets, a notable market expansion is on the horizon.
Africa Ride-Hailing Market Trends
Increasing demand for ride-hailing services in Africa
Africa's ride-hailing market experienced growth during 2019 to 2023, driven by various attributes and factors. While 2020 saw a downturn primarily due to the pandemic, which disrupted mobility and reduced demand for transportation services, the market rebounded in 2021 as restrictions eased and economic activities resumed. This resurgence highlights the increasing use of ride-hailing for transportation in Africa's urban and semi-urban areas, where traditional public transport systems often fail to meet the growing demand.
Demand for ride-hailing in Africa is driven by rapid urbanization, a growing population, and the need for accessible transportation options. Many African cities face challenges such as traffic congestion, limited public transport infrastructure, and inefficiencies in traditional commuting methods. In this context, ride-hailing platforms have become a solution for mobility, offering users flexibility and improved accessibility.
The proliferation of mobile payment systems, alongside the widespread use of smartphones, has supported the adoption of ride-hailing services. Mobile payment platforms have simplified transactions, making it easier for users to access these services without the need for cash. Additionally, the increasing affordability and penetration of smartphones have enabled more people to connect to ride-hailing platforms. As the market continues to grow, the sector is expected to play a more significant role in addressing the transportation needs of Africa's urban population.
South Africa Takes the Lead in the Market
In 2023, South Africa established itself as Africa's primary market for ride-hailing services, supported by various structural and technological factors. The country's performance surpassed other notable markets, such as Egypt and Morocco, which have smaller but steadily growing ride-hailing ecosystems. Ghana, still in the early stages of developing its ride-hailing framework, contributed a smaller share to the overall market. South Africa's position can be attributed to its well-developed urban infrastructure, higher levels of smartphone usage, and the presence of established ride-hailing platforms that cater to the needs of its population.
Urban centers like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban play a significant role in driving the demand for structured transportation services. These cities have dense populations, significant economic activities, and a need for reliable and efficient transportation options, which have collectively reinforced South Africa's role in the market.
Furthermore, the country's economic conditions, including a growing middle class and increasing urbanization, have created an environment conducive to the adoption of ride-hailing services. Evolving consumer behavior, such as a preference for convenience and accessibility, has further supported the shift from conventional transportation methods to ride-hailing platforms.
Africa Ride-Hailing Industry Overview
In Africa's ride-hailing market, competition is increasing as regional and global players compete for market share. International companies, including Uber and Bolt, have established their presence in key markets such as South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, utilizing their global expertise and technological advancements. These platforms focus on affordability and safety, targeting a range of customers from urban centers to semi-urban areas. For instance,
- In November 2024, Bolt pledged 100 million Euros over three years to bolster safety on its ride-hailing platform. This investment empowered Bolt's Safety Team, enhancing product development, customer support, and broadening safety tools to mitigate incidents.
- In August 2024, As part of its African expansion strategy, Uber debuted in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Ivory Coast, targeting markets with limited car ownership and mass transport options.
In many African cities, informal transportation systems pose a significant competitive challenge. Yet, with the growing ubiquity of smartphones and a heightened demand for organized transport, ride-hailing services are expected to see increased adoption. As the competitive landscape evolves, companies are focusing on partnerships, pricing strategies, and customer retention efforts to strengthen their position.
Africa Ride-Hailing Market Leaders
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Uber
-
Bolt
-
Lyft
-
InDrive
-
Yango
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Africa Ride-Hailing Market News
- November 2024: In a bid to electrify ridesharing, Uber teamed up with carmaker BYD, setting its sights on South Africa. As part of a pilot program, Uber planned to roll out BYD's electric vehicles on Johannesburg's streets in 2025.
- October 2024: In Cape Town, South Africa, Uber debuted a distinctive safari experience for its clientele. Dubbed 'Uber Safari', this latest offering was part of Uber's 'Go Anywhere' series, presenting both travelers and locals with seamless access to one of Africa's most renowned wildlife adventures.
- October 2024: InDrive, a global player in mobility and urban services, unveiled a pioneering ride-hailing service in Lusaka, introducing an innovative fare negotiation model.
Africa Ride-Hailing Industry Segmentation
Ride-hailing allows customers to order rides online, typically through a smartphone app. It is similar to traditional taxi services. Customers place their ride requests through a ride-hailing platform, acting as an intermediary between drivers and passengers.
Africa Ride-Hailing Market is segmented Vehicle type, Propulsion and Country. Based on the Vehicle type, the market is segmented into Motorcycles, Cars, Vans, and Buses. Based on the Propulsion, the market is segmented into Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric. Based on the Country, the market is segmented into the South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana and Rest of the Africa. For each segment, market sizing and forecast have been done on the basis of value (USD).
| Vehicle Type | Motorcycles |
| Cars | |
| Vans | |
| Buses | |
| Propulsion | Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) |
| Electric | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Egypt | |
| Morocco | |
| Ghana | |
| Rest of Africa |
| Motorcycles |
| Cars |
| Vans |
| Buses |
| Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) |
| Electric |
| South Africa |
| Egypt |
| Morocco |
| Ghana |
| Rest of Africa |
Africa Ride-Hailing Market Research FAQs
How big is the Africa Ride-Hailing Market?
The Africa Ride-Hailing Market size is expected to reach USD 2.53 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.5% to reach USD 3.16 billion by 2030.
What is the current Africa Ride-Hailing Market size?
In 2025, the Africa Ride-Hailing Market size is expected to reach USD 2.53 billion.
Who are the key players in Africa Ride-Hailing Market?
Uber, Bolt, Lyft, InDrive and Yango are the major companies operating in the Africa Ride-Hailing Market.
What years does this Africa Ride-Hailing Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Africa Ride-Hailing Market size was estimated at USD 2.42 billion. The report covers the Africa Ride-Hailing Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Africa Ride-Hailing Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Africa Ride-Hailing Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Africa Ride-Hailing market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. Africa Ride-Hailing analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
