The solution was developed to reduce the 50 million tons of greenhouse gas emitted yearly by cars seeking parking spaces. 

Garini is a smart parking solution developed by an eponymous Algerian startup. It allows users to remotely book parking spaces in major cities in Algeria. The startup behind the solution was founded in 2017, by Nadir Kassoul and two of his friends. The aim was to “connect urban mobility actors with drivers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or the stress of looking for a parking space,” Nadir Kassoul explains. 

The solution has a mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices. Using that app, Garini clients can register an account and subscribe to various bundles. They can also notify the startup when they free parking space to allow another user to be directed to that space.  

Currently, the startup is active in Oran and Algiers. To acquire enough parking spaces for its clients, it negotiates with businesses and individuals (hotels, residences, business centers, etc,) that have unused parking spaces. “The spaces dedicated to Garini users are sometimes grouped on a parking building’s storey or a dedicated spot. Those spaces are always signaled by a signpost or similar indications inside and outside the buildings,” the platform explains.  

Users can book Garini parking spaces for one hour, day, or month. To reduce the financial burden on its users who book the spaces for months, Garini has dedicated bundles. 

In December 2021, the startup was one of the winners of the third edition of the Algeria Startup Challenge. This year, it is among the 43 African startups that will participate in the French Development Agency’s inclusive Business Camp. In November 2022, it will also participate in the Emerging Valley summit in Marseille, France.  Its ambition is to conquer the Algerian market before going continental. 

Adoni Conrad Quenum