Peer-to-peer Car Sharing Debuts in Africa

A peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing service has been launched across Africa, offering an alternative for travelers and creating new opportunities for vehicle rental businesses.

Zephiir, a US-based vehicle-sharing marketplace, said its platform connects car owners with renters, allowing hosts to list vehicles and reach a broader customer base.

The initiative targets Africa’s growing transport and logistics sector, which is shifting toward digital solutions amid rising demand.

Analysts say such platforms could help vehicle owners tap into previously untapped markets and increase their revenue streams.

“This marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s transport industry, enabling vehicle owners to scale operations and expand their reach,” said Nancy Afandi, Zephiir’s Founder and CEO.

The platform allows car owners to list vehicles without registration fees and provides tools for managing bookings, setting market-aligned pricing, and tracking transactions.

Zephiir takes a fiver percent commission from vehicle owners during the first year, a model the company says supports rapid market adoption.

The system offers hosts direct payouts, bypassing intermediaries, and includes features such as customer communication tools and analytics to monitor engagement.

Vehicle owners in other markets, such as the United States, have reported a fivefold return on investment within three months of joining the platform, Zephiir said.

Zephiir’s model relies on increasing visibility for hosts by incorporating marketing technology.

Verified accounts on the platform see an 88 percent higher click rate, according to the company, which claims an average click rate of 72 percent across its global customer base.

While peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing is already established in markets like the US, it remains relatively new in Africa, where informal car rentals dominate.

Analysts note that digital platforms like Zephiir could formalise the sector, offering both renters and hosts improved transparency and convenience.

Zephiir, which allows unlimited car listings, has set its sights on becoming a global leader in the vehicle-sharing market.

The company said its approach prioritises integrity and customer trust, aiming to transform how people view car rentals worldwide.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org