Best 10 Ride-Hailing and Taxi Services in Ethiopia

Did you know Ethiopia’s ride-hailing and taxi market is growing at one of the fastest rates in East Africa?

Are you aware that thousands of daily commuters are shifting from traditional taxis to modern app-based services?

And more importantly- are you ready to tap into this booming opportunity? Over the last few years, Ethiopia has witnessed explosive growth in ride-hailing services, driven by rising urbanization, smartphone adoption, and inspiration from global giants like Uber. What began as a small wave of app-based transportation has now evolved into a multi-million-birr industry, reshaping how millions commute across Addis Ababa and beyond.

If you're exploring how to start a taxi business in Ethiopia, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to turn your idea into a profitable venture. Ethiopia’s expanding urban centers and increasing reliance on modern transportation create a strong demand for efficient and affordable taxi services.

According to regional mobility insights, Ethiopia’s ride-hailing sector is growing in parallel with global trends, where the worldwide ride-sharing market is projected to surpass $344 billion by 2030. This shift highlights a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs, especially those ready to launch innovative, tech-enabled taxi services.

Local companies have already embraced this momentum, introducing digital ride-hailing platforms that are transforming the transportation culture across the country. Today, ride-booking apps are not just convenient, they are becoming an essential part of everyday life. So, what does this mean for you?

If you’ve been asking:

• How do I start a taxi business in Ethiopia?
• What are the legal requirements?
• Should I choose traditional taxis or app-based ride-hailing?
• What investment do I need to make?

…then you’re already on the right track.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need—from understanding local regulations and selecting the right service model to building a strong fleet, hiring skilled drivers, and leveraging digital technologies for booking, tracking, and payments.

Snapshot of the Ethiopian Ride-Hailing Sector

• The Ethiopian ride-hailing landscape has swiftly progressed, drawing inspiration from Uber's prosperous shared economy approach. It stands as a notable instance of collaborative consumption, necessitating engagement from all involved parties to foster expansion.
• Goldman Sachs foresees substantial worldwide market expansion in the ride-hailing sector, projecting it to hit $285 billion by 2030. Ethiopian enterprises have enthusiastically adopted this paradigm, presenting inventive commuting alternatives domestically.

Impact of Ride-Hailing Apps in Ethiopia

• In Ethiopia, the influence of ride-hailing applications is evident in the considerable shift in how people travel, particularly in cities like Addis Ababa. Commuting has become safer, more convenient, and more cost-efficient thanks to these apps.
• They eradicate the necessity of negotiating fares and provide transparency in pricing, even in difficult terrain or adverse conditions.
• The surge in the adoption of these services during the COVID-19 pandemic was exacerbated, with smartphones playing a crucial role in steering this transition.

Top Ride and Taxi Apps in Ethiopia

1 RIDE

the foremost taxi and ride-hailing application in Ethiopia, was established by Samrawit Fikru. Positioned at the Sheger Building on Bole Road in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, RIDE serves as a comprehensive transportation solution provider. Users can access RIDE's services through a simple call to their dispatch center or by utilizing the RIDE app. The company boasts an extensive network of over 6,000 vehicles, available 24/7.

The application streamlines the booking process with features like map-based location settings, scheduling options, and various payment methods. It offers additional functionalities such as real-time driver tracking, detailed trip histories, electronic receipts, an e-wallet system, and a platform dedicated to managing corporate accounts. RIDE's dedication to customer satisfaction is apparent through its thorough trip reporting and effective ride management system.

2 ZayRide

Founded in 2016 by Zaytech IT Solutions, ZayRide is one of Ethiopia’s pioneering taxi-hailing platforms, built with a strong focus on technology-driven mobility solutions. The app stands out for its large network of well-trained, security-cleared taxi drivers, serving both corporate clients and everyday passengers. As Ethiopia’s first electronic ride-hailing service, ZayRide has played a major role in modernizing the country’s transportation landscape.

ZayRide is now taking its innovation beyond Ethiopia’s borders. In partnership with Liberia’s Hak Technologies, the company is expanding to Monrovia with an ambitious plan to deploy 200 vehicles in the market—an initiative led by its founder, Habtamu Tadesse.

To diversify its service offerings, ZayRide has recently added delivery services and is preparing to roll out ambulance services soon. Backed by fresh investment, the company is also scaling its technology outsourcing team and working on new product developments. This capital boost is expected to strengthen ZayRide’s growth strategy and support the launch of additional mobility services across Ethiopia.

3 Ethiopia Taxi (ETTA)

ETTA, one of Ethiopia’s most established ride-hailing services, offers a reliable and affordable transportation option accessible through both a mobile app and a 24/7 call center. Founded by Temesgen Gebrehiwot Araya and Ambaye Michael Tesfay, ETTA Solutions Plc operates the platform, making it one of the earliest and top three largest taxi-hailing services in the country.

ETTA connects passengers with licensed taxi drivers through an efficient ride-sharing system that prioritizes affordability, speed, safety, and convenience. Designed specifically for the Ethiopian market, the service is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. For those without smartphones or needing immediate assistance, ETTA offers round-the-clock customer support via its dedicated hotline, simply dial 8707 from any mobile or landline.With its strong reputation, technological accessibility, and commitment to safety, ETTA continues to play a leading role in shaping Ethiopia’s modern transportation ecosystem.

4 Feres

Operating in Ethiopia, FERES has been providing a contemporary, cost-effective, convenient, and secure taxi-hailing service across Addis Ababa. As a proudly Ethiopian-owned enterprise, FERES endeavors to tackle prevalent transportation challenges faced by many residents, employing cutting-edge technologies accessible through both a mobile app and a call center (6090).Emphasizing timeliness, FERES delivers world-class services to its clientele, utilizing brand-new cars that meet stringent standards.

Ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers is of utmost importance, evidenced by the incorporation of GPS tracking in all taxis to guarantee a smooth and secure journey. Since its establishment, FERES has effectively served over 300,000 customers, attributing this success to rigorous driver vetting procedures, extensive training, and an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional transportation services available 24/7.

Also Read: How to Start Your Taxi Business with Indriver Clone

5 Ze-Lucy

A collective effort by Ethiopian taxi associations, offering metered taxi services through advanced technology. Ze-Lucy Meter Taxi S.C., a consortium comprising 18 taxi associations, has introduced its independent internet-based taxi-hailing platform. The company, operating alongside its call center, has equipped 751 Ze-Lucy meter taxis with this technology to enhance accessibility. This initiative was prompted by the termination of its agreement with Hybrid Designs Plc, the operator of Ride, eight months ago, resulting in an ongoing legal dispute between the two companies.

To develop the technology and establish the platform, Ze-Lucy has invested half a million Ethiopian birr and 1.5 million Ethiopian birr, respectively. ATN Technology Plc, a US-based IT company that commenced operations in Addis Ababa in 2014, played a crucial role in developing the system under a five-year agreement with Ze-Lucy Meter Taxi S.C.

6 Taxiye

Introduced in 2019, Taxiye stands as an Ethiopian e-commerce transportation platform providing ride-hailing services similar to Uber across Africa. The cutting-edge technology employed by Taxiye was developed, in part, by Elnet Technology Plc., a co-owner of the company. While Taxiye has successfully established its operations across Ethiopia, it has further expanded its footprint by establishing offices in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Taxiye distinguishes itself as a comprehensive transportation solution dedicated to delivering exceptional services to its esteemed customers. Key highlights of Taxiye's offerings encompass the convenience of swiftly booking reliable taxis through their user-friendly app. Prioritizing safety, Taxiye has implemented various safety measures to ensure passengers feel secure throughout their journeys.

7 Greetings Taxi

Hello Taxi, an Ethiopian ride-sharing app company, was founded by Cloud Worldwide Trading Plc. It took the company three years to develop the essential technology for their app, incorporating GPS and Google Maps. Notably, the service can be utilized offline, as they provide a call center option for a reasonable additional fee

In partnership with Prince Import-Export Company and Marathon Motor Engineering, Hello Taxi offers 2016 Toyota Yaris and 2019 Hyundai vehicles for individuals interested in joining their team. Special discounts are extended to women and owners of the classic blue Lada vehicles commonly seen in the city. Moreover, individuals with disabilities qualify for interest-free loans

Hello Taxi has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to broaden its services to various cities in Ethiopia, including Bahir Dar, Adama, Mekele, Hawassa, and others.

8 Grab Taxi

Grab Taxi is making a significant impact in the East African ride-hailing industry as it expands its services across the region. After a strong and successful launch in Ethiopia, the company has now entered the Kenyan market, aiming to strengthen its presence through its feature-rich Super App.

This foray into Kenya comes on the heels of a successful launch in Ethiopia. Although the company initially commenced operations in Ethiopia, drawn by its sizable population and promising market, it's noteworthy that the entire executive team is based at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.Grab Taxi harbors ambitious aspirations, with plans to venture into Sudan and extend its presence into West Africa. Their overarching vision is to create a substantial footprint across sub-Saharan Africa.

Although Grab Taxi first began operations in Ethiopia, attracted by its large population and high market potential—the company’s executive leadership is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, positioning it at the heart of Africa’s thriving tech ecosystem.

With ambitious growth plans, Grab Taxi is preparing to expand into Sudan and further into West Africa, with the goal of building a powerful, continent-wide footprint across sub-Saharan Africa. As an African-owned and operated ride-hailing company, it leverages deep local understanding, cultural insight, and regional innovation to enhance the experience for both riders and drivers, all while offering competitive pricing.

Nairobi, widely recognized as Africa’s premier technological hub and a mature ride-hailing market, serves as the ideal springboard for Grab Taxi’s expansion strategy, helping the company solidify its role as a rising leader in Africa’s mobility landscape.

9 Yangoo

Yango is a multifaceted transportation and delivery platform that spans continents, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The platform extends ride-hailing services, enabling users to secure rides through its mobile app, and also encompasses delivery solutions, such as e-grocery delivery. Yango has broadened its influence in diverse geographical areas, delivering user-friendly and effective transportation and delivery options across numerous countries.

10 ETTA (Ethiopia Taxi)

Although details about this service are not available in my knowledge as of January 2022, it seems to denote a taxi service in Ethiopia. Presumably, ETTA functions as a taxi company or app within Ethiopia, catering to the transportation needs of both residents and visitors. Taxi services play a vital role in facilitating travel in various regions, offering convenient mobility solutions for navigating cities and towns. Should you have specific inquiries or require more information about ETTA, please feel free to inquire, and I'll make every effort to assist.

Conclusion

Appicial Applications, a prominent player in taxi app development, has had the honor of closely collaborating with Ethiopia's leading ride-hailing and taxi services. Our association with these trailblazing companies has provided us with a firsthand view of the substantial impact they've had on Ethiopia's transportation sector. These services have not only revolutionized the way people travel within the country but have also played a crucial role in fostering economic growth.

By generating job opportunities for drivers and enhancing the overall transportation infrastructure, they have made significant contributions. The top 10 ride-hailing and taxi services in Ethiopia, supported by Appicial Applications, have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to delivering secure, dependable, and convenient transportation solutions. We eagerly look forward to continuing our support for their initiatives in the years to come.