startup success stories
AfriKonekta
Discover AfriKonekta, startup on a mission to revolutionize the travel sector in Africa and connect the entire continent.
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Transportation
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Kenya
Bus travel plays a crucial role in connecting the African continent by providing an affordable and accessible means of transportation for millions of people across diverse regions. It facilitates economic growth and regional integration and promotes social cohesion, fostering a sense of unity among different communities. AfriKonekta saw inefficiencies prevalent in this sector and decided to elevate the African travel experience.
AfriKonekta: The Flixbus of Africa
AfriKonekta is a pioneering startup revolutionizing the transportation sector in Africa. Due to the lack of proper railway infrastructure and the high cost of air travel, the company focuses on the most viable option: bus transportation. By digitalizing bus services, they address the disorganization and outdated operations prevalent among African bus operators. Their comprehensive digital solution aims to bring order and convenience to bus operations across the continent, making it easier for travelers to book and plan trips. The full-stack solution connects small to medium and top-tier bus operators with travelers, streamlining operations and enhancing connectivity.
Currently operational in Kenya and recently launched in Zambia, AfriKonekta aspires to be the Flixbus of Africa, connecting multiple countries through a single platform with the ultimate dream of linking Cape Town to Cairo.
It’s a mobility platform with the main goal to build a connected Africa
explains Tichaona Dande, the founder & CEO.
Origin: the dream of travel
The inspiration behind AfriKonekta stems from Tichaona’s personal experiences. After moving to Finland in 2015 for his studies, he discovered a love for travel and explored Europe and Asia extensively, using digital platforms like Flixbus for seamless travel. However, when he attempted a similar trip across Africa, he found the process cumbersome due to the lack of a unified booking platform. This realization led him to explore the possibility of creating a tech solution for Africa’s transportation woes, ultimately leading to the birth of AfriKonekta.
Despite lacking a business background, Tichaona pursued an MBA and partnered with Pekka Möttö, a successful disruptor in the Finnish transportation sector. AfriKonekta was established in 2022. After moving to Kenya in early 2023 and starting with one bus operator, they are now working with over 50 operators, connecting 10+ countries with over 150 routes, and a team of 13.
Even the name AfriKonekta reflects Tichaona’s vision: “African continent” and “connect” signify the connectivity they aim to build. Tichaona says:
What we are actually trying to achieve is to make the free movement of goods and people across Africa seamless.
Tichaona Dande, Co-Founder & CEO, AfriKonekta
Solution: a comprehensive mobility platform
AfriKonekta’s full-stack solution addresses multiple issues within the African transportation sector. It not only digitalizes bus operators’ operations but also provides travelers with a marketplace to compare prices and book tickets online. This system enhances safety, convenience, and affordability.
We are not only addressing one problem; we are addressing multiple problems
emphasizes Tichaona, highlighting the platform’s comprehensive capabilities.
The solution includes online booking, a driver app to prevent revenue leakage, and SMS-based ticketing. They also integrate WhatsApp and a toll-free number to make the service accessible to a wider audience.
The platform is designed with the unique challenges of Africa in mind, offering user-friendly features even in areas with slow internet and limited electricity. It has integrated safety features, such as CCTV cameras and tracking systems, to ensure a secure travel experience.
AfriKonekta’s quality solution has won accolades such as the best bus booking platform and the best parcel booking platform in Kenya in 2023, reflecting a strong vote of confidence.
AfriKonekta team
Tribe: building a network of support
A critical component of AfriKonekta’s journey has been its collaboration with Infobip, particularly through the Infobip Startup Tribe program. This partnership provided them with crucial resources, including over €6000 in credits, allowing the startup to test and launch its concept. Ticahona states:
Infobip has been a fundamental pillar in our journey; it gave us a very good start. If I’m to describe the whole collaboration in one word, I would use ‘excellent’.
It’s great to see a program that nurtures startups and helps them grow, such as Infobip Startup Tribe. Without your support, we could have been just an idea now in a junkyard. Because of your presence at the early stage, we are still here and growing,
adds Tichaona.
What’s next: expanding horizons
Looking ahead, AfriKonekta aims to expand its reach and impact. The company is actively seeking to raise funds to further develop its platform and integrate more advanced features like a WhatsApp chatbot for customer support.
With over 200,000 tickets processed and connections to almost 15 countries, they are well on their way to achieving this vision. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the free movement of people and goods across Africa, mirroring the European Union’s model and fostering greater connectivity and economic integration on the continent.
AfriKonekta’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of addressing real-world problems with tech solutions. With their mantra of “Keep the dream alive. Keep the fire burning,” they are set to transform Africa’s transportation landscape. And we’re proud to support them in achieving that. 🤘
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