Opinions of Monday, 30 December 2024

Columnist: Sam Booth

Empowering ride-hailing, transforming mobility across Africa

A file photo to represent the story A file photo to represent the story

Across Africa’s sprawling cities, one challenge consistently hinders progress for thousands of hardworking ride-hailing drivers: the ability to own a vehicle. It’s a roadblock that has trapped many in cycles of dependency and financial uncertainty, preventing them from fully reaping the rewards of their labor.

For many of these drivers, the dream of owning a vehicle is a cruel mirage. The traditional barriers such as high-interest loans, limited credit access, and outright rejection have kept them tethered to the mercy of car owners and ride-hailing fleets.

In the face of these challenges, Prince Adjapong, CEO of Feenix Technologies, saw an opportunity to create meaningful change. For him, these struggles weren’t merely statistics but personal stories yearning for change. He envisioned a system that would empower hardworking ride-hailing drivers not just to drive, but to own their vehicles in a way that was secure, affordable, and dignifying.

“Prince’s vision wasn’t just about cars; it was about solving existential problems and changing lives,” said Siegfried Sorkpor, Head of Product Development at Feenix Technologies. “He believed that with the right technology, we could eliminate the barriers holding drivers back and give them a real shot at ownership.” Thus, Feenix D2O, short for “Drive to Own” was born.

Prince, along with co-founder and CTO Lazar Savarinathan, brought this vision to life by combining their shared expertise and passion for creating purpose-driven technology. Together, they worked tirelessly to design and build a revolutionary solution that seamlessly integrates innovation with impact, setting the stage for Feenix D2O to transform the lives of ride-hailing drivers across Africa.

Feenix D2O isn’t just an app; it’s a revolutionary solution redefining vehicle ownership for ride-hailing drivers. By combining access to vehicles with tailored support tools, the platform ensures drivers can confidently navigate their journey to ownership. It’s a comprehensive system designed to guide them at every stage, from the initial payment to the ultimate achievement of ownership.

At the core of Feenix D2O is the powerful combination of IoT technology and Artificial Intelligence, working seamlessly to monitor performance, enhance safety, and guarantee accountability, Sorkpor remarked. 'This isn’t just about handing over keys, we’re building trust among drivers, investors, and Feenix Technologies, ensuring transparency and reliability throughout the ownership journey.'

For the drivers, the app is simple and intuitive. It allows them to make repayments, schedule maintenance, and even raise concerns with just a few taps. For the investors who fund the vehicles, the platform provides detailed analytics and real-time insights.

The D2O technology is just one side of the story. What sets Feenix D2O apart is its focus on addressing practical, age-old challenges. Each vehicle handed over represents more than a car—it’s a solution to the barriers of financial exclusion, a step toward economic empowerment, and a pathway to independence for drivers striving to secure their future.

“Ownership changes everything,” Sorkpor said. “When a driver owns their vehicle, it’s not just financial freedom they gain. It’s a sense of pride, of purpose. That’s what we aim to deliver not just cars, but empowerment.”

Under the leadership of Prince Adjapong and Lazar Savarinathan, Feenix Technologies has assembled a team driven by a shared mission: to revolutionize mobility across Africa. The Feenix team brings together innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries who are united in their commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by ride-hailing drivers. Their goal isn’t just to create software but to develop transformative solutions that empower individuals and reshape the mobility space.

“Our mission has always been clear,” said Siegfried Sorkpor, Head of Product Development. “We are here to impact lives through technology, to redefine the mobility space, and to ensure that drivers across Africa can access opportunities that were previously out of reach.”

Feenix D2O is more than a product; it is a manifestation of this mission. From its inception, the platform was designed to bridge the gap between drivers and vehicle ownership, providing not just access but also the tools and support needed to thrive. As the platform continues to grow, so does its impact, reaching beyond Accra to cities across the continent.

“This is just the beginning,” Sorkpor emphasized. “At Feenix, we are building more than solutions; we are creating a legacy of empowerment in the mobility sector. Feenix D2O is just one part of our broader vision to transform lives and industries across Africa.”

Through dedication and innovation, the Feenix team is redefining what’s possible in the African mobility space. With every vehicle handed over, they are helping to build a future where the dream of ownership isn’t just attainable. This is sustainable and transformative. The journey is far from over, and for Feenix, the road ahead is paved with opportunity.