AfriKonekta expands its bus booking platform to Za...

AfriKonekta expands its bus booking platform to Zambia

Audrey Galawu

ASSISTANT EDITOR

AfriKonekta, a leading Finland-based online intercity bus booking platform, co-founded by Finland-based Zimbabwean, Tichaona Dande has expanded its operations to Zambia, introducing a groundbreaking service that allows passengers to book bus tickets from just US$1 (25 Kwacha plus convenience fees).

This innovative platform is now available to Zambian travellers, providing a seamless digital booking, payment experience and promoting sustainability through the transition to SMS and Email tickets.

Afrikonekta has also partnered with Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited in the provision of Travel Insurance.

In celebration of the launch, AfriKonekta is offering a 20% discount on all nationwide and cross-border tickets, when booked through its application or website.

AfriKonekta’s service, accessible via a user-friendly app, web, WhatsApp, ticketing agents, or a toll-free phone call, revolutionises the traditional bus ticket booking process.

By enabling travellers to select their seats and pay digitally, the platform eliminates the need to visit physical booking stations, thereby enhancing convenience and safety.

“This full-stack solution not only streamlines operations for bus operators but also ensures compliance with Zambia’s RSTA Fleet Management and Bus Safety Policies aimed at strengthening the Government's Fleet Safety Management Policy in line with Zambia's Road Traffic (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2022 and the digitalisation of Zambia’s transportation sector,” Zambia’s Minister of Transportation and Logistics, Hon. Frank Museba Tayali echoed.

Dande stated that AfriKonekta is committed to transforming intercity bus travel in Africa.

“We leverage state-of-the-art technology to provide a secure, efficient, and user-friendly booking experience. Our platform is designed to meet the specific needs of the African market, drawing on global best practices and our deep understanding of the long-distance bus industry.

"We are excited to collaborate with local bus operators to help them digitise and optimise their operations. Our technology facilitates more efficient booking management and operations, significantly reducing manual labour and enhancing profitability," Dande said.

AfriKonekta does not operate its own buses but partners with local operators to enhance their service delivery through technology. The Company has already formed partnerships with over ten major bus operators in Zambia, including well-known names like Likili, Power Tools, and FM Buses.

Dande said plans are underway to expand the network within Zambia and into Southern Africa, further solidifying AfriKonekta’s position as a leader in digital transportation solutions.

The expansion into Zambia taps into the country's strategic position as a land-linked hub with connections to nine other countries, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, DRC, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa.