By Kenneth Ngwa Anye Neng, Director of Public Policy Africa and International Markets
As African cities expand and the demand for efficient, affordable transport grows, it is clear that we must not overlook the significance of informal transport systems, particularly in bridging gaps where formal public transport infrastructure falls short.
Informal transport, such as minibus taxis, boda-bodas, matatus, and rickshaws, moves millions of people daily across Africa. According to Statics South Africa (Stats SA) South Africa alone, the minibus taxi industry accounts for over 70% of daily commuters. These modes of transport are deeply integrated into the fabric of African urban life, providing affordable and accessible solutions in cities where formal transit networks are often inadequate, unreliable, or inaccessible to large portions of the population.
Yet, despite its importance, informal transport is often seen as chaotic, unsafe, and lacking the innovation that defines modern mobility systems. While this perception is not entirely unfounded, it overlooks the adaptability, flexibility, and scale of these networks and, more importantly, the potential they hold when integrated with emerging technologies and platforms. At Bolt, we believe that the future of mobility in Africa hinges on advancing formal systems and finding ways to elevate, modernise, and support the informal transport sector.
Understanding Informal Transport’s Impact
The informal transport sector has grown largely because of its ability to meet the needs of underserved communities. In many African cities, rapid urbanisation has outpaced the development of formal public transport infrastructure, leaving a vacuum filled by informal operators. These services are affordable and flexible, adjusting routes based on demand and operating in areas where buses and trains do not reach. They also offer employment opportunities for thousands of drivers and operators, supporting the livelihoods of many families.
However, these benefits are often overshadowed by concerns over safety, poor regulation, and inefficiencies. Commuters face safety risks from overcrowding, unroadworthy vehicles, or reckless driving. The lack of formal oversight in this sector makes it difficult to enforce consistent standards, leaving gaps in the reliability and security of the services provided.
Integrating Informal and Formal Systems
Rather than marginalising or attempting to replace informal transport, we must consider how to integrate it into the broader transport ecosystem. This integration offers an opportunity to modernise informal transport while improving urban mobility. At Bolt, we see this integration as a critical component of Africa’s transport future, particularly in solving the “first-mile, last-mile” challenge—where the connection between a commuter’s home and the nearest formal public transport system can be long and difficult.Ride-hailing platforms play a crucial role in bridging these gaps. By working with informal operators and governments, we can create a more seamless network of transport options that cater to the needs of all commuters. Technology offers us the tools to track, regulate, and optimise these services without losing their valuable flexibility. For example, integrating informal transport into digital platforms could allow commuters to see real-time information on the availability, location, and safety of informal taxis, motorcycle taxis or rickshaws.
This integration model has already shown success in other parts of the world, such as in Latin America, where governments have incorporated informal minibuses into formal networks through regulation, subsidies, and technology integration. Africa can learn from these examples to build a hybrid transport system that supports the efficiency of formal transit while maintaining the adaptability of informal services.
Supporting Informal Operators Through Technology
The future of Africa’s transport ecosystem will require a more collaborative approach, where informal transport operators are supported, not sidelined. Technology, once again, is key to making this a reality. At Bolt, we’ve already seen how technology can improve safety and accountability in ride-hailing. Expanding this to the informal transport sector could include offering cashless payment options, driver verification, and vehicle tracking systems all of which would benefit commuters and operators alike.
Incorporating digital solutions helps regulate and formalise the sector and opens up economic opportunities for operators. Drivers who are part of an integrated platform may have access to new financing options for vehicle upgrades or receive incentives for providing safer, more reliable services. This creates a virtuous cycle where improved safety and efficiency lead to increased ridership and economic growth.
A Collaborative Future
As we work to improve transport in Africa, governments, private sector players, and informal operators must collaborate to build a sustainable and inclusive mobility network. This will involve regulatory reform and investments in infrastructure and technology that allow formal and informal systems to coexist and thrive.
Bolt remains committed to partnering with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of informal transport. At the Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, we engaged with leaders from across the continent to discuss how platforms like ours can be used to promote safe, accessible, and innovative solutions. We believe that through collaboration, we can create a future where informal transport is not just a stopgap solution but an integral part of Africa’s sustainable mobility ecosystem.
As we look ahead, we must remember that the path to smarter mobility in Africa does not lie solely in formalising transport but in leveraging the strengths of informal systems. The millions of people who rely on these services deserve solutions as dynamic and flexible as the continent’s transport challenges. By integrating and modernising informal transport, we can ensure a future where every African has access to safe, affordable, and reliable mobility.
