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In a candid chat, we delve into the operations of inDrive with Vincent Lilane, inDrive’s Business Representative in Africa, a global ride-hailing service that recently made its mark in Botswana. With its innovative approach and unique business model, the company is set to revolutionize the local transportation industry.

Q1. When did inDrive enter the market and what are your current results?

A1. inDrive launched in the Botswana market in December 2019. Globally, we are recognized as a marketplace for transport and urban services, but in Botswana, our focus is on ride-hailing services.

Today, InDrive has a significant presence in the market. Our platform's user base and trip completions are experiencing rapid growth. While I can't share specific figures due to confidentiality reasons, the current trends suggest that Botswana could become one of our top markets in Africa

Q2. What is your key difference from the competition?

A2. We employ a distinctive business model. While most services use algorithms to set trip prices, leaving users in the dark about how costs are calculated, inDrive operates differently. With inDrive, the price is determined in direct agreement between the passenger and the driver. The passenger is the first to name the price. The driver can accept it, reject it, or negotiate it. The final price is as fair as possible, because both participants of the trip agreed to it.

A key distinction to note is that in countries where we operate with monetization, our service fee is among the lowest, standing at approximately 10%. In contrast, most other companies typically charge around 20% or higher.

It's crucial to highlight that in Botswana, we haven't introduced a commission. Consequently, our drivers have the potential to earn more.

Q3. Why does inDrive charge such low commission?

A3. .The company's mission is to challenge injustice. We achieve this through various methods, especially by providing our users with the utmost transparency and charging a minimal commission of 10%. We believe this is equitable. This approach allows us to break the monopoly of large world known companies, word of mouth about our unique conditions works as well as our advertisements. No one wants to pay 20% commission if you can pay only 10% for the same service.

Q4. When will you begin implementing comission fees or monetizing in Botswana?

A4.Currently, we aren't focusing on monetization in Botswana. Our priority is to establish our community and enhance the visibility of the inDrive brand. We're funding the service development in this region from our revenue-generating markets. This strategy also benefits us in attracting more drivers, as the lack of a commission enables them to earn a better income.

Q5. How is your relationship with the Botswana government currently ?

A5.We are actively engaging the regulatory authorities. We are prepared to adhere to their guidance and advice to the fullest extent. We consistently observe the laws of the countries where we operate.

Q6. How do you ensure the safety of your trips?

A6. At inDrive, our foremost priority is the safety of users. We enforce strict criteria whereby only drivers with verified documentation and registration can access our platform. Our weekly photo verification security check further ensures that only registered and authenticated drivers operate our service, eliminating any potential anonymity.

We also take pride in our Safety Center, a specialized hub providing drivers with robust training materials, fostering a genuine culture of safety. To ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers, our platform features an SOS button for immediate emergencies and real-time safety alerts.

We recently rolled out the Safety Pact, emphasizing our unwavering commitment to user safety. It presents dedicated features, safety tips, and a code of conduct. We urge both passengers and drivers to opt-in, fostering an environment of mutual respect and safety for each journey.

Q7. Why do you think you will have success in Botswana?

A7. Currently, inDrive operates effectively in nearly 50 countries globally. When you examine our geographical footprint, it's evident that we predominantly serve developing nations. This is primarily because our business model resonates in regions where cost savings are crucial. In Africa, for instance, we're experiencing significant growth in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa. Our presence in Botswana is also expanding rapidly. I believe there's no reason for this growth momentum to halt.

Q8. What are your plans for next year?

A8. In the near future, our plans are quite simple – to increase our community, both drivers and passengers. Achieving this requires enhancing brand recognition and further enlightening the public about the benefits of our service, such as competitive commissions, reasonable fares, and secure journeys. I believe this will be our primary focus in the next few months.

inDrive's emergence in Botswana brings a fresh perspective to the ride-hailing market. With its user-centric approach, commitment to transparency, and emphasis on safety, the company is poised for substantial growth. Only time will tell how this unique model reshapes Botswana's transportation landscape, but the initial signs are promising.

In a candid chat, we delve into the operations of inDrive with Vincent Lilane, inDrive’s Business Representative in Africa, a global ride-hailing service that recently made its mark in Botswana. With its innovative approach and unique business model, the company is set to revolutionize the local transportation industry.

Q1. When did inDrive enter the market and what are your current results?

A1. inDrive launched in the Botswana market in December 2019. Globally, we are recognized as a marketplace for transport and urban services, but in Botswana, our focus is on ride-hailing services.

Today, InDrive has a significant presence in the market. Our platform's user base and trip completions are experiencing rapid growth. While I can't share specific figures due to confidentiality reasons, the current trends suggest that Botswana could become one of our top markets in Africa.

Q2. What is your key difference from the competition?

A2. We employ a distinctive business model. While most services use algorithms to set trip prices, leaving users in the dark about how costs are calculated, inDrive operates differently. With inDrive, the price is determined in direct agreement between the passenger and the driver. The passenger is the first to name the price. The driver can accept it, reject it, or negotiate it. The final price is as fair as possible, because both participants of the trip agreed to it.

A key distinction to note is that in countries where we operate with monetization, our service fee is among the lowest, standing at approximately 10%. In contrast, most other companies typically charge around 20% or higher.

It's crucial to highlight that in Botswana, we haven't introduced a commission. Consequently, our drivers have the potential to earn more.

Q3. Why does inDrive charge such low commission?

A3. .The company's mission is to challenge injustice. We achieve this through various methods, especially by providing our users with the utmost transparency and charging a minimal commission of 10%. We believe this is equitable. This approach allows us to break the monopoly of large world known companies, word of mouth about our unique conditions works as well as our advertisements. No one wants to pay 20% commission if you can pay only 10% for the same service.

Q4. When will you begin implementing comission fees or monetizing in Botswana?

A4.Currently, we aren't focusing on monetization in Botswana. Our priority is to establish our community and enhance the visibility of the inDrive brand. We're funding the service development in this region from our revenue-generating markets. This strategy also benefits us in attracting more drivers, as the lack of a commission enables them to earn a better income.

Q5. How is your relationship with the Botswana government currently ?

A5.We are actively engaging the regulatory authorities. We are prepared to adhere to their guidance and advice to the fullest extent. We consistently observe the laws of the countries where we operate.

Q6. How do you ensure the safety of your trips?

A6. At inDrive, our foremost priority is the safety of users. We enforce strict criteria whereby only drivers with verified documentation and registration can access our platform. Our weekly photo verification security check further ensures that only registered and authenticated drivers operate our service, eliminating any potential anonymity.

We also take pride in our Safety Center, a specialized hub providing drivers with robust training materials, fostering a genuine culture of safety. To ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers, our platform features an SOS button for immediate emergencies and real-time safety alerts.

We recently rolled out the Safety Pact, emphasizing our unwavering commitment to user safety. It presents dedicated features, safety tips, and a code of conduct. We urge both passengers and drivers to opt-in, fostering an environment of mutual respect and safety for each journey.

Q7. Why do you think you will have success in Botswana?

A7. Currently, inDrive operates effectively in nearly 50 countries globally. When you examine our geographical footprint, it's evident that we predominantly serve developing nations. This is primarily because our business model resonates in regions where cost savings are crucial. In Africa, for instance, we're experiencing significant growth in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, and South Africa. Our presence in Botswana is also expanding rapidly. I believe there's no reason for this growth momentum to halt.

Q8. What are your plans for next year?

A8. In the near future, our plans are quite simple – to increase our community, both drivers and passengers. Achieving this requires enhancing brand recognition and further enlightening the public about the benefits of our service, such as competitive commissions, reasonable fares, and secure journeys. I believe this will be our primary focus in the next few months.

inDrive's emergence in Botswana brings a fresh perspective to the ride-hailing market. With its user-centric approach, commitment to transparency, and emphasis on safety, the company is poised for substantial growth. Only time will tell how this unique model reshapes Botswana's transportation landscape, but the initial signs are promising.