In a significant development for Africa’s mobility sector, Treepz, one of Africa’s leading shared mobility companies, has released its comprehensive report titled “The State of Corporate Mobility in Africa.” This release coincides with Treepz’s expansion into Canada, where they recently concluded their first pilot test in North America. During an insightful interview with CNBC Africa, Onyeka Akumah, CEO of Treepz, highlighted the report’s key findings, the ongoing mobility transformation in Africa, and their strategic plans for international growth.
Key Findings from the Corporate Mobility Report
The State of Corporate Mobility in Africa report delivers essential insights into how businesses are shifting their transportation models to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and embrace sustainability.
Report Highlights: The Numbers That Matter
- Market Size: Africa’s corporate mobility market is currently valued at over $30 billion and is projected to grow by 15% annually over the next five years.
- Cost Savings: Companies using shared mobility platforms like Treepz reported an average 25% reduction in transportation costs compared to maintaining their own vehicle fleets.
- Sustainability Goals: 63% of surveyed companies are actively seeking eco-friendly transportation options to align with sustainability targets and reduce CO2 emissions.
- Technology Adoption: 72% of businesses have implemented or are considering tech-driven platforms to streamline transportation management.
- Employee Satisfaction: Companies using structured mobility solutions reported a 40% improvement in employee satisfaction related to commuting experiences.
Why the Shift Toward Corporate Mobility?
In the interview with CNBC Africa, Onyeka Akumah explained the forces driving this shift. Traditionally, companies across Africa owned fleets of vehicles to transport employees. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted businesses to rethink this model. With rising operational costs and fuel prices, maintaining idle vehicles became inefficient.
Akumah noted:
“With rising fuel prices and an increasingly challenging operational environment, organizations in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda—indeed, across the African continent—are turning away from owning vehicles. Instead, they are using platforms like Treepz to reduce expenses, streamline operations, and still ensure their employees have safe and reliable transportation.”
This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances safety and promotes environmental sustainability.
Treepz’s Expansion into Canada
Treepz’s strategic entry into Canada represents a bold step in their growth journey. The company recently completed a successful pilot test in Ontario, transporting over 50 high school students. This initiative demonstrates the scalability of Treepz’s African solutions in new markets.
Why Canada?
Despite Canada’s robust transportation system, Treepz identified significant gaps where their platform can add value. Many organizations require transportation for employees working late-night shifts or living in remote areas where public transit options are limited. Treepz offers shared mobility solutions that address these needs while supporting sustainability efforts.
Akumah elaborated:
“In Canada, we’ve found organizations that require employee transportation at unconventional hours—say between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.—when regular public transport doesn’t operate. Our solution helps reduce reliance on personal vehicle ownership and lowers CO2 emissions.”
Treepz’s partnerships with offices in Brampton and Ontario are setting the foundation for successful market integration.
Government Support and Regulatory Challenges
The report emphasizes the importance of supportive regulatory frameworks to drive corporate mobility forward. According to the report, governments need to:
- Streamline Regulations: Simplify rules for ride-sharing, vehicle rentals, and corporate mobility services.
- Incentivize Clean Energy: Promote eco-friendly transport solutions through incentives and policy support.
Akumah stressed:
“Governments need to streamline regulatory frameworks and incentivize clean energy solutions within the transport sector. This will improve operational efficiency and enhance the user experience.”
Plans for 2025: Ambition and Growth
Treepz has ambitious plans for the coming year:
- Serve 20,000 Employees: Expand services across Africa, helping more organizations optimize transportation.
- Launch in Canada: Scale operations following the successful pilot test.
- Global Expansion: Replicate their success by targeting 100,000 people in new markets.
Akumah concluded:
“We’ve already moved five million people in Africa. Our goal is to replicate this success in North America and beyond.”
A Milestone for African Innovation
Treepz’s release of The State of Corporate Mobility in Africa report and their expansion to Canada reflect the company’s commitment to reshaping corporate transportation. By leveraging their proven solutions and forming strategic partnerships, Treepz is not only transforming mobility in Africa but also positioning themselves as a global leader in shared transportation.
