• Djibouti startup Sahaal Ride launched in 2024 to connect passengers and drivers.

• The app offers ride booking, tracking, and payments via cash or mobile money.

• It aims to bring transparency and structure to Djibouti’s taxi market.

Sahaal Ride, a digital solution developed by a Djiboutian startup, connects riders and drivers through a mobile application. Users can book a ride in a few clicks, geolocate their driver, and track the trip in real time. The platform also offers flexible payment options, including cash and mobile money, tailored to local habits. The startup was launched in 2024 by Abdi Djama Waberi.

The app is available on iOS and Android, where it has already recorded more than 1,000 downloads, according to the Play Store. For drivers, Sahaal provides a platform that simplifies trip management, improves revenue visibility, and secures transactions. It also helps reduce waiting times and optimize travel in a capital facing rapid demographic growth and rising mobility needs.

Beyond connecting riders and drivers, Sahaal aims to gradually structure Djibouti’s taxi market. By increasing transparency in pricing and improving service quality, the app seeks to build trust between users and drivers.

The startup reflects a broader wave of local innovation that promotes entrepreneurship and Djiboutian tech skills. It also encourages women’s participation, expanding professional opportunities in a sector still dominated by men.

In a country where digital transformation is accelerating, Sahaal shows how a local startup can meet community needs. The company plans to grow its user base and establish itself as a key player in urban mobility in Djibouti and the wider region.