Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Transforming urban transportation in Abuja, Nigeria and beyond through a ride-sharing app where users can find a private car that matches their specific routes.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

In Abuja, Nigeria, public transport is insufficient, leading to long wait times for passengers and increased fuel costs for private car owners who often pick up passengers to offset expenses. The app will bridge this gap by connecting passengers with private car owners going the same route or destination. Users can easily find rides, make cashless payments, and save time, eliminating the stress private car owners go through while searching for passengers with the same route and vice-versa. The app utilizes location data to suggest nearby drivers or passengers, ensuring efficient and convenient commutes. This solution not only addresses the transportation inefficiencies but also creates a sustainable income source for car owners, benefiting both parties involved. With a user-friendly interface, real-time location sharing, and market-based pricing, this app will serve cities with similar transportation challenges, revolutionizing the way people move.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem is the lack of reliable public transportation in Abuja, resulting in long wait times and discomfort for passengers. Additionally, the rising fuel prices have made it financially burdensome for private car owners to commute. The proposed ride-sharing app solves this by connecting passengers and car owners who share similar routes, reducing wait times for passengers and fuel costs for car owners. This solution provides a reliable, efficient, and economical transportation alternative, enhancing overall mobility and convenience in the city.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Reduced Wait Times: Passengers can quickly find rides, minimizing their wait times and ensuring timely commutes. Cost Savings: Car owners can offset their fuel costs by picking up passengers, making commuting more affordable. Cashless Transactions: The app facilitates seamless, cashless payments, eliminating the need for exact change and enhancing convenience.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The primary beneficiaries are: Passengers: Individuals, most especially civil servants who rely on public transportation or private car services for their daily commutes, seeking a more reliable and efficient alternative. Private Car Owners: Drivers looking to offset fuel costs and potentially earn additional income by offering rides to passengers.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-24

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

None

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By providing an additional source of income for private car owners, the proposed project helps alleviate financial burdens and reduces poverty. Car owners can earn money by offering rides to passengers, turning their daily commutes into an income-generating opportunity.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The app reduces the stress and discomfort of waiting for transportation under harsh weather conditions, contributing to better physical and mental well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Improved transportation can facilitate better access to educational institutions, ensuring that students and educators can commute efficiently and reliably, thereby supporting consistent attendance and engagement in educational activities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The proposed app offers a safe and reliable transportation option for women, reducing the risks associated with waiting for transport in unsafe conditions. By empowering female car owners to earn income, it also supports gender equality in economic opportunities.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The app creates new economic opportunities for private car owners, allowing them to earn additional income. It also improves the efficiency of transportation, supporting economic growth by facilitating better access to jobs and markets.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The proposed app represents a significant innovation in urban transportation, leveraging technology to connect passengers and car owners efficiently. It enhances the existing transportation infrastructure by optimizing vehicle usage.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

The proposed app will provide affordable and accessible transportation options to all socioeconomic groups, reducing the disparities in commuting experiences. It also empowers car owners from various backgrounds to earn additional income, contributing to economic equality.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

It enhances the overall efficiency and sustainability of the city's transportation system, making it more resilient and inclusive.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

By optimizing the use of existing vehicles for transportation, the app promotes more responsible consumption of resources. It reduces the need for additional vehicles, thereby supporting more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The proposed app enhances public safety by providing a reliable and transparent transportation option. It promotes trust and accountability between passengers and car owners through a secure platform, supporting stronger community institutions.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The app fosters collaboration between private car owners, passengers, and local authorities to create a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. It encourages partnerships that leverage technology for the common good, supporting the achievement of the SDGs.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

3

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

It is unique and innovative for several reasons: Improvement on Existing Services: Traditional carpooling and ride-sharing services primarily operate on a commercial basis, often with high fares and limited flexibility. Extension of Service Range: The proposed app, MOTIV, extends the concept of ride-sharing by incorporating features specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Abuja & locations with similar case globally. Unlike typical ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt), which cater to commercial drivers, our app targets private car owners who commute daily and are looking to offset their fuel costs. Unmet Demand: The app addresses a critical gap in the market. The current informal system leaves passengers waiting for long periods in harsh weather and forces drivers to search randomly for passengers. By using GPS technology, the proposed app allows for real-time matching of passengers and drivers with aligned routes, significantly reducing wait times and optimizing travel routes.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The main competitors include traditional ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and informal carpooling arrangements. The project stands out by specifically targeting private car owners who are not full-time drivers but are looking to reduce their commuting costs and as well make additional income. The proposed app will offer market-based price. Additionally, our focus on local, real-time matching based on route alignment and the integration of a cashless payment system provides a level of convenience and efficiency that our competitors do not.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I mentored female colleagues & entrepreneurs. I am passionate about empowering female entrepreneurs and promoting gender equality in the startup ecosystem.