Ride-hailing services have disrupted transportation, but autonomous technology marks the next evolution. Moove’s origin as an African startup tackling local mobility financing challenges exemplifies how innovations designed for underserved markets can address global needs.

Moove, a Nigerian-born fintech startup, has partnered with Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle division to manage fleets of self-driving cars in Phoenix, Arizona, and Miami, Florida. This initiative, announced on December 5, will introduce Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-PACE fleet to Miami streets by early 2025, with full ride-hailing operations expected in 2026 via the Waymo One app.

Ladi Delano, Moove's Co-founder and Co-CEO, highlighted the transformative nature of the collaboration, stating that it signals a major shift in urban mobility. “Moove is proud to partner with Waymo, bringing the operational expertise to make this transformation possible," he added.

Founded in 2020, Moove has revolutionized vehicle financing through its revenue-based model, allowing gig economy drivers to pay for vehicles using earnings. This innovative approach has empowered thousands across Africa and beyond, with the startup recently raising $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Uber. Moove has expanded into Mexico, India, and now the United States, demonstrating the growing global influence of African startups.

Through the Waymo partnership, Moove ventures into the autonomous vehicle sector, showcasing African innovation’s potential to solve complex global challenges. It represents a convergence of cutting-edge technology and innovative financing.

For Waymo, it enables faster scaling of its ride-hailing service while maintaining a high standard of safety and service. For Moove, it marks a pivotal moment in its global expansion and entry into advanced technologies.

This collaboration underscores the potential of African tech ecosystems to influence global industries. By leveraging their expertise, startups like Moove are paving the way for broader adoption of African-born solutions to address worldwide challenges.

Hikmatu Bilali