Uber has today announced a partnership with Moove, sub-Saharan Africa’s first flexible car ownership company, to provide potential and current Uber drivers in sub-Saharan Africa with long-term access to vehicles. The largest partnership of its kind, the collaboration aims to lower existing barriers to car ownership on the continent and empower drivers to be their own boss within a shorter time frame.
Moove’s partnership with Uber across sub-Saharan Africa will provide riders with access to newer car models when they request a ride. As part of an ongoing commitment to safety and particularly in the current fight against COVID-19, Moove cars are fitted with transparent and perspex partition screens to separate the driver from rear and passenger seat riders.
Director of Business Development in MEA, Justin Spratt says, “We are passionate about delivering better experiences for drivers and are therefore excited to partner with Moove to develop meaningful, customised solutions for drivers in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this partnership, drivers’ livelihoods will be meaningfully improved while enabling them to get into the driver’s seat when it comes to their own future.”
Speaking on the partnership, Managing Partner of Grace Lake Partners and Co-Founder of Moove, Mr Ladi Delano, said: “The launch of Moove and our sub-Saharan Africa wide partnership with Uber will empower Uber drivers across the continent by providing them with a clear and affordable path to high-quality car ownership.”
Cost-effective car-ownership
The partnership with Moove introduces low-barrier entry methods into the Uber app by offering improved pricing models for car ownership through solutions such as flexible rental and drive-to-own options.
The multiple ownership methods are designed to suit drivers with diverse budgets and goals, ultimately reducing the risk of defaulted payments.
For instance, the flexi-rental option provides short-term vehicle access, that spans between one to four weeks, while drive-to-own options are available to drivers with 24, 36 and 48 month agreements respectively.
Support and safety
In a bid to improve vehicle standards and safety across Africa, a number of safety enhancements have been made to all Moove vehicles which include improved geofencing and tracking, as well as mandatory monthly car servicing and inspections at the service centre.
Critical support to drivers is also provided to ensure that the agreements on financing remain feasible, while Uber offers drivers 24/7 in-app assistance on any issue or query experienced.
Opportunity and access
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), “Inclusive, safe, and affordable transportation is crucial for women. Without inclusive transportation, women are denied their right to move freely in public spaces and are less likely to find good jobs. Women face barriers both as passengers and transportation service providers, ranging from underrepresentation across the sector to widespread safety and security concerns.”
While the transport industry has traditionally been male-dominated, Uber’s partnership with Moove will ensure that 50% of drivers are women, empowering them whilst also providing peace of mind when it comes to safety.
All Moove vehicles come with a standard safety tool kit which includes perspex and transparent partition screens between the driver and rider, while hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes will be provided and a face mask/ covering must be worn at all times when on a trip.
This partnership is imperative for all in the transport industry, whether they are on the Uber platform or not, as with the advanced technology and redesigned entry methods, the opportunity to become an entrepreneur is now more accessible and affordable. It reaffirms Uber’s commitment to West Africa and Africa as a whole, by providing enhanced earning potential and better mobility for all.
