Netzence Introduces Nigeria’s First AI-Driven Smart Mobility Platform

Netzence Sustainability Limited has launched KlimateRide in Lagos, unveiling what it describes as Nigeria’s first artificial intelligence-driven smart mobility platform designed to improve urban transportation through enhanced safety, intelligent ride allocation and integrated delivery services.

The launch signals the company’s entry into Nigeria’s competitive ride-hailing market with a platform that combines passenger transportation, package delivery and last-mile logistics within a single AI-powered digital ecosystem.

According to Netzence, KlimateRide’s multi-layered safety architecture is designed to improve passenger and driver protection by up to 80 per cent through the deployment of artificial intelligence, identity verification, real-time trip monitoring, intelligent route analysis, emergency response systems and other technology-enabled safeguards.

The company said the platform was developed to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s transport sector, including security concerns, unpredictable pricing, inefficient trip allocation, declining driver earnings and fragmented delivery services.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netzence Sustainability Limited, Associate Professor Sadiq Sani, said the platform reflects the company’s vision of using technology to solve transportation challenges across Africa.

“KlimateRide represents our vision for the future of mobility in Africa. Transportation should not simply be about connecting a passenger with a vehicle. It should be about using technology to make every journey safer, smarter, more transparent and more economically sustainable.

“We have developed a platform that brings artificial intelligence, advanced safety technology, ride-hailing and delivery services together within one connected ecosystem. Our objective is to create a mobility platform that protects users, empowers driver-partners, supports businesses and contributes to the development of smarter and more sustainable cities,” he said.

Beyond ride-hailing, the platform offers package delivery and logistics services, allowing businesses to move goods through a unified digital infrastructure as demand for technology-enabled transportation continues to rise amid Nigeria’s expanding digital economy and e-commerce sector.

Netzence said KlimateRide employs AI to optimise routes, improve trip allocation, analyse demand patterns and enhance operational efficiency by connecting riders and driver-partners more effectively.

The company also introduced a driver-focused business model under which drivers retain 92 per cent of their fares, while the platform charges an eight per cent commission. It said the arrangement is intended to improve drivers’ earnings amid rising fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.

In preparation for the commercial rollout, Netzence conducted extensive driver-partner onboarding, digital registration campaigns and training programmes to familiarise participants with the platform’s technology, safety requirements and operational standards. Feedback from beta testing was also used to improve platform stability and user experience.

Sani said the Lagos launch is the first phase of a broader expansion strategy.

“Lagos is one of Africa’s largest and most important cities, and launching KlimateRide here provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate what intelligent mobility technology can achieve.

“Our ambition extends beyond building another ride-hailing application. We are creating a smart mobility ecosystem capable of connecting transportation, logistics, technology, safety and sustainability.

“We believe the future of African mobility will be built by platforms that understand African cities, African businesses and African consumers while deploying world-class technology to solve local challenges,” he added.

As part of its long-term strategy, Netzence said KlimateRide is designed to support the gradual adoption of electric, hybrid, and compressed natural gas-powered transportation, while incorporating carbon tracking and other environmentally sustainable mobility solutions.