Denis Opudo
Uber which is known for its smartphone app. The taxi operation in Africa has thrown its support to the development of Nigerian transport business. The company has pledged to create more economic opportunities for driver-partners through the use of current technology. The initiative remains Uber’s main priority to the West African countries in 2017 and many years to come.
Uber’s business collaboration approach offers an accessible way for driver-partners to not only supplement their income but also to become small business owners, hence improving the lives and future of individuals, families, and communities. The company has 267, 000 riders in Nigeria who uses the app and 7, 000 driver partners and in Ghana there are 140, 000 active riders and 3, 000 drivers who use the app. The fast-growing number of Uber driver-partners in the West African region is a testimony to the appeal of the model.
The company creates business opportunities for the local entrepreneurs. The fact that the demand for transport is growing is the same way the demand for driver-partners is also growing. Technology being the company’s pillar, Uber invests heavily in supporting their driver partners through the current innovations as well as physical presence in the form of support centers referred to as Greenlight Hubs.
Apart from the Green Hub in Sub Saharan Africa, five more of these state-of-the-art Hubs were opened in Lagos, Kumasi, Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi and Kampala, this year and, in addition to offering driver-partners technical and app support, they also offer information sessions and tailored workshops to driver-partners, focusing on training and skills development. The recently launched number of features in Nigeria by Uber makes it easier for Driver partners to choose, where, when and how they want to drive. Unlike the previous when the time spent in traffic was not charged, currently that time is charged hence providing driver partners and riders with a more reliable experience.
