We’re thrilled to announce that Crab A Ride has been selected as part of the 1st Cohort of AUDA-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab 2025, a groundbreaking program empowering African startups to scale their impact, strengthen investor readiness, and drive economic transformation across the continent.
Alongside 11 other visionary founders from Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, we’re tackling Africa’s biggest challenges through innovation in biotech, clean energy, agri-fintech, mental health, digital payments, and of course, smart mobility.
This is more than an accelerator, it’s a movement to reshape Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What the Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab Means for Crab A Ride
At Crab A Ride, our mission has always been clear: to make long-distance travel in South Africa Safe. Affordable. Convenient.
Our WhatsApp-powered carpooling platform connects verified drivers and passengers heading in the same direction, reducing travel costs, easing congestion, and lowering emissions. Every shared ride is a step toward a more sustainable, connected Africa.
Being part of AUDA-NEPAD’s Akili AI program, supported by BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa), Meta, and Pitchwise, gives us access to world-class mentorship, investor readiness training, and a network of partners committed to scaling African innovation.
This support will help us refine our platform, expand our reach, and continue building trust within South Africa’s transport ecosystem, one ride at a time.
Meet the Cohort: Innovation Across Industries
This cohort represents the breadth and brilliance of Africa’s startup landscape. From tackling blood shortages to powering SMEs with solar microgrids, these founders are solving real problems with tech-driven, scalable solutions.
Here’s who we’re learning alongside:
- Betalife Health Service (Nigeria) – AI-powered blood supply platform addressing Africa’s critical shortage.
- Betapawa Solutions (Nigeria) – Clean energy microgrids replacing diesel with affordable solar power for SMEs.
- Bictorys (Senegal) – Omnichannel payment platform simplifying collections and reconciliation.
- CureRoot (South Africa) – Drug discovery from African medicinal plants, unlocking biodiversity potential.
- FriendnPal (Nigeria) – Africa’s first predictive, multilingual AI mental health support platform.
- Mafalia (Senegal) – Operations optimization and customer connection tools for African merchants.
- MyItura (Nigeria) – Digital health platform integrating patients, providers, and insurers.
- PROBOUTIK (Senegal) – Digitising 200M+ African microbusinesses with financial tools and lending.
- ProDevs (Nigeria) – Connecting vetted African talent to global opportunities through AI-driven hiring.
- SENFRAIS (Senegal) – Solar-powered refrigerated tricycles combating post-harvest losses.
- UfarmX (Senegal) – AI-powered agri-fintech bridging Africa’s $100B farmer financing gap.
Together, this cohort reflects the power of inclusive innovation, where solutions are built by Africans, for Africans.
Why This Matters for South Africa’s Transport Ecosystem
South Africa’s transport sector is evolving fast. From SANTACO’s digital transformation efforts to the rise of WhatsApp-first mobility platforms, the country is embracing smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to move.
But gaps remain, especially for long-distance travel, where limited routes, inconsistent safety standards, and rising costs continue to frustrate passengers.
Crab A Ride is filling that gap. By anchoring carpooling on WhatsApp, the platform 96% of South Africans already use, we’re making verified intercity travel accessible to everyone. No complicated apps. No hidden fees. Just safe, affordable rides arranged in the app you already know.
Through the Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab, we’ll scale this model, strengthen our systems, and prepare for the next phase of growth, ensuring more South Africans can travel with confidence, affordability, and peace of mind.
What’s Next?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes updates from the program, including insights on investor readiness, scaling strategies, and the partnerships shaping Crab A Ride’s future.
We’re also continuing to expand our verified ride network across South Africa’s major routes, from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban to Gqeberha, and everywhere in between.
If you’re planning a long-distance trip, find your next verified ride at crabaride.co.za/rides or via WhatsApp. Travel smarter, save money, and support a greener future.
The Takeaway
Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is thriving, and programs like AUDA-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab are accelerating that momentum. By investing in founders who understand local challenges and build scalable solutions, we’re not just creating businesses, we’re shaping economies, communities, and futures.
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