Safeboda
SafeBoda is an East African mobile-first platform providing motorcycle and car ride-hailing, on-demand package delivery, mobile wallet/payment services, and insurance distribution across Uganda and Kenya, serving 2+ million consumers, 100+ businesses, and 30,000+ trained drivers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersKampala, Uganda
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Safeboda does
SafeBoda is an East African urban mobility, delivery, and financial services platform headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, with regional operations in Kenya (Nairobi). Founded by Ricky Rapa Thompson in 2014/2015, the company operates a mobile-first platform that combines motorcycle (boda) and car ride-hailing, on-demand package delivery, a licensed mobile wallet, and insurance distribution. Core products include the SafeBoda Passenger App and Driver App on iOS and Android, plus sub-brands SafeCar (car-hailing with Standard, Comfort, and XL tiers), SafeBoda for Business (B2B logistics portal), and SafeBoda Wallet. The technology stack is built on a microservices architecture using Node.js/NestJS, PostgreSQL, Apache Kafka (via Confluent Cloud) for real-time event streaming, Redis for in-memory driver-rider matching, and cloud infrastructure on AWS and Contabo, with Google Firebase and Appsflyer powering analytics and attribution.
The business model is anchored on transaction-fee revenue across multiple streams. SafeBoda earns a 15-20% commission on ride fares for both boda and SafeCar services, charges flat upfront pricing on package deliveries (starting at Kes 110 in Nairobi for the first 2 km), collects fees from its NPS-licensed mobile wallet and fintech services, and distributes Liberty General's Protecta Bode motor insurance through its platform. Customer segments split between individual consumers (daily commuters, students, e-commerce senders) and business clients (e-commerce platforms, corporates, NGOs, government agencies), with the B2B segment growing post-2024 in response to a Kampala regulatory crackdown on consumer ride-hailing.
The platform has completed 50+ million rides since inception, serves 2+ million users and 100+ businesses across East Africa, operates through a network of 30,000+ trained boda and car drivers, and controls over 33% of Uganda's ride-hailing market. SafeBoda is a venture-funded Series B company backed by Google (via the Africa Investment Fund), Unbound, GoVentures (Gojek's VC), AllianzX, Yamaha, and Beenext.
Safeboda firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Safeboda
- Legal name
- SafeBoda Technologies (U) Limited
- Website
- https://safeboda.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- SafeBoda is an East African mobile-first platform providing motorcycle and car ride-hailing, on-demand package delivery, mobile wallet/payment services, and insurance distribution across Uganda and Kenya, serving 2+ million consumers, 100+ businesses, and 30,000+ trained drivers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Safeboda industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ride-Hailing and Delivery Services
- NAICS
- Taxi and Ridesharing Services (485310), Local Messengers and Local Delivery (4922), Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (522320)
- SIC
- Transportation Services (4700), Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Motorbike Taxi & Two-Wheeler Ride-Hailing (THAIAGAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mobile Wallets (NFC Tap-to-Pay / HCE) (FSAMAEAB), Licensed Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) / Minicab Operators (TLAFAHAC)
Keywords
Where Safeboda is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kampala
- HQ country
- Uganda
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices4 records
Markets served
Safeboda business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Ride-hailing Commissions: SafeBoda takes a commission (15-20% according to research) on all rider and driver fares for both boda (motorcycle) and SafeCar (car) services. Drivers pay a commission on completed trips.
- Package Delivery Fees: Revenue from on-demand package delivery services, charging flat upfront pricing based on time and distance. Multi-stop deliveries incur additional charges per stop.
- Financial Services (SafeBoda Wallet): Mobile wallet and payment services including mobile money integration, bill payments, airtime top-ups, and other fintech services. Licensed under National Payment Systems by Bank of Uganda.
- Insurance Distribution: Partnership with Liberty General Insurance to distribute Protecta Bode motor insurance through the SafeBoda platform, collecting premiums on insured trips.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SafeBoda Bike Service - Saver Tier |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SafeBoda Bike Service - Plus Tier |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SafeBoda Bike Service - Electric Tier |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SafeCar Standard Tier |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SafeCar Comfort Tier |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SafeCar XL Tier |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Package Delivery - Base Rate |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Safeboda product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SafeBoda operates a mobile-based ride-hailing and package delivery platform in Uganda and Kenya. It connects riders with 30,000+ trained motorcycle (boda) and car drivers through its iOS and Android passenger app, offering on-demand transportation, multi-stop package delivery, and an in-app mobile wallet. The company also provides a dedicated B2B logistics portal (SafeBoda for Business) for corporate clients, along with SafeCar (a car-hailing sub-brand) and fintech services such as bill payments and airtime purchases.
Product overview
SafeBoda is a mobile-first transportation, delivery, and financial services platform operating in Uganda (since 2015) and Kenya. The core product is a unified passenger app for ride-hailing (SafeBoda motorcycle/boda rides and SafeCar car rides) and package delivery, paired with a separate driver app. The ecosystem includes the SafeBoda for Business B2B platform for corporate logistics and expense management, the SafeBoda Academy for driver training, and the SafeBoda Wallet for in-app payments and mobile airtime/data purchases. Over 50 million rides have been completed, with the platform trusted by 2+ million users and 100+ businesses across East Africa.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SafeCar: Car hailing service offering Standard, Comfort, and XL tiers for customers needing car rides instead of motorcycle transport
- SafeBoda for Business
Products and services
- SafeBoda Passenger App Mobile app for consumers to request motorcycle (boda) rides, SafeCar car rides, and package delivery services in Uganda and Kenya. Available on Android and iOS with features including real-time tracking, OTP verification, multi-stop deliveries, and in-app wallet payments.
- SafeBoda Driver App Mobile application used by SafeBoda and SafeCar drivers to receive ride and delivery requests, navigate, manage earnings, and communicate with passengers. Includes onboarding flows and real-time GPS location sharing.
- SafeBoda Bike Service Motorcycle (boda) ride-hailing service with three tiers — Electric (eco-friendly), Plus (with passenger and cargo insurance), and Saver (budget-friendly). Free helmet and reflector provided; all riders are trained and vetted.
- SafeCar Service Car-hailing service offering three vehicle tiers: Standard (affordable solo rides), Comfort (premium spacious fleet), and XL (groups of 3-5 passengers). Available in Nairobi and Kampala.
- SafeBoda Package Delivery On-demand door-to-door package delivery service supporting packages up to 15 kg, with up to 5 delivery stops per trip, real-time tracking, OTP verification, insured trips, and flat upfront pricing. Flexible payment via cash, SafeBoda Wallet, or Business Wallet.
- SafeBoda for Business B2B logistics platform at business.safeboda.com enabling organizations (NGOs, government agencies, businesses) to manage rides and deliveries, control costs, automate expense reporting, and gain insights into travel patterns. Features include multi-account management, central wallet, trip approvals, real-time tracking, airtime/data purchases, and an emergency button.
- SafeBoda Wallet In-app digital wallet enabling users to pay for rides, package deliveries, airtime and data purchases, and business transactions. Zero-cost deposits and zero transaction fees on send-package payments; supports a centralised business wallet with admin rights and multi-account management.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 50 million rides completed in Uganda
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Safeboda
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Safeboda technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
AI capability6 records
Feature6 records
Safeboda partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- BrighterMondayminorPartnership to equip SafeBoda drivers with world-class customer service skills through training programs.
- FIDOcorePartnership to drive financial inclusion for SafeBoda drivers, providing access to financial services and products through the platform.
- Stanbic Bank UgandacorePartnership for payment processing through Flexipay, enabling bill payments and financial transactions. Also supports driver fuel advances and financial services.
- Liberty General Insurance UgandacorePartnership to distribute Protecta Bode motor insurance product through SafeBoda and SafeCar platforms, offering affordable coverage at 1.5% of vehicle value with digital-first distribution.
- Easy Ride UgandaminorPartnership for nationwide road rescue services in conjunction with Protecta Bode insurance product.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Safeboda competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Safeboda social profiles
Digital presenceSafeboda compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Safeboda financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Safeboda leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Safeboda subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Safeboda funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors15 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Safeboda M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Safeboda
What does Safeboda do?
SafeBoda operates a mobile-based ride-hailing and package delivery platform in Uganda and Kenya. It connects riders with 30,000+ trained motorcycle (boda) and car drivers through its iOS and Android passenger app, offering on-demand transportation, multi-stop package delivery, and an in-app mobile wallet. The company also provides a dedicated B2B logistics portal (SafeBoda for Business) for corporate clients, along with SafeCar (a car-hailing sub-brand) and fintech services such as bill payments and airtime purchases.
Is Safeboda a public or private company?
Safeboda is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Safeboda founded?
Safeboda was founded in 2015. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Safeboda based?
Safeboda is headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, in the Africa region.
How does Safeboda make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Ride-hailing Commissions are the primary driver. The others are package Delivery Fees, financial Services (SafeBoda Wallet) and insurance Distribution.
Does Safeboda have an API?
No public API is recorded for Safeboda.
What industry is Safeboda in?
Safeboda's product category is Ride-Hailing and Delivery Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAIAGAG, Motorbike Taxi & Two-Wheeler Ride-Hailing, with a secondary code of FSAMAEAB, Mobile Wallets (NFC Tap-to-Pay / HCE). Its NAICS code is 485310 and its SIC code is 4700.