Nigerian ride-sharing marketplace GoMyWay is planning to build on its launch in Nigeria earlier this month by expanding to South Africa shortly, with Kenya and Ghana also in its sights.
Funded by investors including Konga founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Sim Shagaya, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and former Amazon and Naspers executive Bill Paladino, GoMyWay looks to connect passengers with car owners going the same route with empty seats to spare, in a bid to provide a solution to transportation problems in Nigeria via a people-powered transportation network.
“We believe the platform offers a more convenient, reliable and affordable way to travel across the country. It will also help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, thereby protecting our environment,” Damilola Teidi of GoMyWay Africa told Disrupt Africa.
Just days after launching in Nigeria, the startup is already announcing plans to expand to other African countries, with South Africa first on the list, followed by Kenya and Ghana.
GoMyWay believes compared to public transport it offers the cheapest, most fun and most convenient way to travel. Based on a formula that takes into account fuel costs, the platform suggests a fee that car owners can charge their co-travellers, with passengers paying the stated amount to the car owner.
In order to create a safe community, GoMyWay has put in place four verification levels for all members: Facebook, phone numbers, email addresses and valid IDs. There is also a member rating and reviewing feature, as well as a dedicated support team to monitor activities on the platform. Co-travellers can contact car owners of their choice, with car owners able to accept or decline requests.
As it launches its services in Nigeria, GoMyWay is offering car owners the chance to win one month’s supply of fuel by offering rides on the platform. Three winners will be announced weekly via the startup’s social media platforms.
