Tanzanian startup Safiri has unveiled a pioneering digital infrastructure that has transformed how transit operators manage their operations and deliver enhanced services to their customers. Launched in June 2022, Safiri has swiftly established itself as a trailblazer, revolutionising traditional pen-and-paper-based processes with cutting-edge software solutions and innovative digital services.
Transportation companies across Africa have long grappled with outdated and manual methods, from ticket issuance to vehicle tracking. This has led to substantial revenue losses, with businesses hemorrhaging up to 30% due to cash leakages. Furthermore, the lack of online options has compelled customers to visit booking offices physically, exacerbating the inconvenience.
Founder Abraham Itule explained, “In Africa, transportation companies use pen and paper to do all their operations. From issuing a ticket, to managing sales, to tracking their vehicles, everything is manual. We’re basically digitizing the entire end-to-end experience. By enabling transit operators to manage their operations digitally, travelers can now also be able to search, compare, book tickets, and send goods online.”
Safiri’s comprehensive solution not only caters to transit companies but also empowers travelers. With the seamless integration of local languages, point of sale devices, and GPS trackers for vehicles, the startup has breathed new life into the industry. Safiri’s platform enables travelers to search, compare, book tickets, and even send goods online.
The initiative extends beyond just digitizing operations. Safiri’s team is diligently mapping African cities, pinpointing stations, and identifying points of interest. This data is then harnessed to empower travelers, providing them with information on the nearest stations, upcoming transport schedules, and optimal disembarkation points. This transformative approach mirrors the success of City Mapper in London, as noted by Itule himself.
The seeds for this revolutionary venture were sown when Itule embarked on a holiday to Tanzania in late 2017. He was struck by the accessibility and reliability issues plaguing the public transport system. What began as a side project soon evolved into Safiri, officially registered in 2020, and later launched to the public in 2022. Itule’s vision crystallized around eliminating the entrenched reliance on pen-and-paper procedures, ultimately culminating in the platform that exists today.
Despite being fully bootstrapped, Safiri has rapidly garnered support. Over 200 transport companies, collectively owning approximately 700 buses, have enthusiastically adopted Safiri’s digital solutions for ticketing and parcel delivery. Notably, more than 20 cargo companies have chosen Safiri to enhance their goods transportation. The platform boasts an engaged user base exceeding 70,000 individuals, having already facilitated the issuance of over one million tickets.
Itule remarked, “Safiri’s adoption has resulted in tangible benefits for transportation businesses. By digitizing their operations and streamlining processes, operators have reported increased revenue streams, reduced cash leakages, and improved overall efficiency. The data-driven insights provided by Safiri’s platform have empowered businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their operations for better financial outcomes.”
The startup’s ambitions have quickly transcended borders. Safiri expanded to Zambia in May, with plans to onboard around 10 bus companies. Encouraged by this success, the company has set its sights on penetrating the markets of DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda in the near future.
As Safiri continues to blaze a trail through the transportation sector, its expanding footprint and growing user base solidify its status as an industry leader. By addressing the core challenges faced by transit operators and travelers alike, Safiri has ushered in a new era of efficiency and convenience, propelling the African transportation landscape into the digital age.
