TRYNESS TEMBO
Lusaka
AFRIKONEKTA, a leading Finnish online intercity bus booking platform, has extended its operations to Zambia by introducing a service that allows passengers to buy bus tickets.
And the company has also partnered with Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited (MLife) in the provision of travel insurance.
This innovative platform is now available to travellers, providing a seamless digital booking, payment experience and promoting sustainability through the transition to short messaging system (SMS) and email tickets.
AfriKonekta chief executive officer Tichaona Dande said the company is committed to transforming intercity bus travel in Africa.
“We leverage state-of-the-art technology to provide a secure, efficient, and user-friendly booking experience.
Our platform is designed to meet the specific needs of the
African market, drawing on global best practices and our deep understanding of the long-distance bus industry.
“AfriKonekta does not operate its own buses, but partners with local operators to enhance their service delivery through technology. The company has already formed partnerships with over 10 major bus operators in Zambia, including well-known names like Likili, Power Tools, and FM Buses. Plans are underway to expand this network within Zambia and into southern Africa, further solidifying AfriKonekta’s position as a leader in digital transportation solutions,” Mr Dande said.
He said the firm is excited to collaborate with local bus operators to help them digitise and optimise their operations.
“Our technology facilitates more efficient booking management and operations, significantly reducing manual labour and enhancing profitability,” Mr Dande said.
He said the expansion into Zambia taps into the country’s strategic position as a land-linked hub with connections to nine other countries in the region.
Mr Dande said this geographical advantage positions AfriKonekta to become the premier platform for intercity and cross-border bus travel in southern Africa.
He said AfriKonekta’s service, accessible via a user-friendly app, web, WhatsApp, ticketing agents, or a toll-free phone call, revolutionises the traditional bus ticket booking process.
Mr Dande said by enabling travellers to select their seats and pay digitally, the platform eliminates the need to visit physical booking stations, thereby enhancing convenience and safety.
Commenting on the development, MLife managing director Agness Chakonta said: “Now, every passenger who books a bus through the AfriKonekta platforms and its partners will be insured by Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited, providing an additional layer of safety and assurance.”
In celebrating the launch, AfriKonekta is offering a 20 percent discount on all nationwide and cross-border tickets, when booked through its app or website.
And Ministry of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali said this full-stack solution not only streamlines operations for bus operators, but also ensures compliance with Zambia’s Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) fleet management and bus safety policies.
Mr Tayali said the policies are aimed at strengthening the Government’s Fleet Safety Management Policy in line with Zambia’s Road Traffic (Amendment) Act number eight of 2022 and the digitalisation of Zambia’s transportation sector.
Currently, AfriKonekta connects over 40 towns across Zambia, enhancing mobility for countless passengers daily.
With plans to expand further into East Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, AfriKonekta is on a mission to make intercity travel more accessible, comfortable, safe, sustainable and affordable across the continent… https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/
