In a major development impacting Zambia’s ride-hailing landscape, Ulendo Taxi Limited, the pioneering ride-hailing startup based in Lusaka, has entered into liquidation proceedings. A notice issued by the High Court for Zambia on February 28th, 2024, appointed Mr. Katindo Mwale of Messrs K. Kwale and Company as the Liquidator for Ulendo Taxi (in Liquidation). This appointment marks a critical juncture for the company, as all parties with claims against Ulendo Taxi Limited (in Liquidation) are directed to submit their claims to the appointed Liquidator within 14 days.
Ulendo’s journey, marked by considerable innovation and ambition, faced formidable challenges amidst evolving regulatory landscapes and heightened competition. The company emerged onto the scene in March 2017, introducing Zambia to an Uber-style taxi app, aiming to fill the void left by the absence of Uber’s presence in the country. With its launch by founder Haggai Mandefu, Ulendo sought to revolutionize the transportation sector, offering a convenient and reliable alternative for commuters in urban centers like Lusaka and the Copperbelt. The startup’s services have also expanded to include Ulendo Eats and Ulendo Courier.
However, the road for Ulendo was fraught with obstacles. In June 2022, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) issued a notice directing online car-hailing services to comply with licensing requirements, citing provisions of the Road Traffic Act №11 of 2002. This directive stirred controversy and temporarily led to the suspension of Ulendo’s operations along with other operators.
Amidst these challenges, Ulendo faced stiff competition from international players like Yango, which entered the Zambian market in early 2022. With aggressive pricing strategies and enhanced driver benefits, Yango swiftly gained market share, posing a formidable threat to Ulendo’s foothold in the industry. Despite Ulendo’s innovative features such as cash payments and driver credit transfers, the onslaught from Yango proved insurmountable.
As Ulendo navigates the liquidation process, reports suggest a potential rebranding to GO: Cab in Lusaka and Kitwe, signaling a possible continuation of its services under a new identity. However, it is unclear whether this rebranding effort will be successful in reviving the company’s fortunes, as the fate of its over 15,000 registered Partner Drivers remain uncertain.