Written by Lovenya » Updated on: May 26th, 2025
Over the last decade, the transportation landscape in South Africa and across Africa has seen a dramatic shift, thanks to the emergence of digital ride-hailing platforms. Once dominated by informal taxi operators and traditional meter taxis, South Africa’s urban mobility ecosystem is rapidly modernizing with the help of technology-driven taxi booking apps. These platforms are helping passengers easily access safe, convenient, and cost-effective rides while creating employment opportunities for thousands of drivers.
In major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, ride-hailing apps have become an integral part of daily life. As Africa’s population grows and urban centers expand, the demand for reliable transportation continues to surge. Ride-hailing services have stepped in to fill the gap, offering tailored solutions for both passengers and entrepreneurs looking to start a ride-hailing business in Africa.
South Africa is a booming market for ride-hailing, driven by rapid urbanization, high smartphone penetration, and the demand for convenient transportation. Major international players like Uber and Bolt dominate the urban landscape, while local apps also carve out niches. This sector significantly contributes to the gig economy by providing flexible employment opportunities for thousands of drivers, a crucial aspect given the country's unemployment challenges.
The market is projected to reach approximately USD 1.38 billion in 2025, with continued strong growth to about USD 3.08 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.45%. The user base is expected to hit roughly 14.5 million by 2029, fueled by rising smartphone adoption, internet usage, and a robust tourism sector. Furthermore, the industry is poised for expansion into areas like freight and cargo, particularly in underserved remote regions, which could further boost economic activity and job creation.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top ridehailing taxi apps making a significant impact in South Africa and across the continent:
If you're planning to start a taxi app business in Africa, make sure your app includes these key features to meet the diverse needs of African commuters:
One of the most important decisions entrepreneurs must make is how to build a ride hailing app. There are typically two approaches:
For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to enter the ride-hailing market without investing heavily in custom development, VivoCabs stands out as the best solution. It is a ready-made taxi booking solution that allows businesses to launch ride-hailing apps with ease. The mobile application is available in both Android and iOS versions for riders and drivers along with the web admin panel to manage users, vehicles, drivers, discount coupons, withdrawal requests and much more.
Key Benefits of VivoCabs are:
The ride-hailing sector in South Africa is booming, driven by urbanization, digital adoption, and an increasing demand for convenient mobility solutions. As we step into 2025, leading players like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive continue to shape commuter experiences, while local platforms such as YooKoo Ride introduce region-specific innovations.
For entrepreneurs eyeing opportunities in the African transport sector, this is the right time to start a ride hailing business in Africa. Whether you aim to introduce a budget-friendly motorcycle taxi app or compete with global players in urban centers, having a feature-rich, user-friendly platform is key.
The choice between custom development and a ready-made taxi booking app solution like VivoCabs depends on your budget, timeline, and scalability needs. But one thing is certain: the future of urban mobility in South Africa lies in technology-driven, inclusive, and locally adaptable ride-hailing solutions.
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