Last month, we highlighted Kilimo as one of the three ESG award-winning SMEs. This month is dedicated to Metro Africa Xpress (MAX). MAX received their Inclusive Growth Champion Award during our 10 Year Knowledge Sharing event "Implementing Scale: SME Finance in Emerging Markets".
Inclusive Growth Champion Award: MAX
MAX was nominated by Novastar Ventures for their significant contributions to inclusive growth, since MAX has demonstrated remarkable innovation and scalability in transforming the mobility market across Africa.
MAX believes that owning a new vehicle should be a seamless experience. Their cutting-edge vehicle rental platform allows individuals to choose the vehicle they desire and pay for it over time. With their rent-to-own model, transport operators can easily rent any vehicle and work towards full ownership. MAX offers asset financing, enhanced customer access, and numerous other benefits to drivers, significantly improving the lives of their employees, particularly those in low-skilled jobs and rural areas.
MAX leverages technology to provide on-demand mobility services to customers in West Africa, giving riders and drivers an opportunity to own an asset and have a sustainable livelihood. The company uses a data-driven screening and onboarding process for its riders, giving them access to an increased number of customers and asset finance offerings for motorbikes.
When MAX was founded in 2015, the owners aimed to aggregate, structure, and formalize the fragmented informal mobility market across Africa. Initially, drivers faced challenges with the bikes, which couldn't withstand the required range and road conditions. As manufacturers refused to make the necessary changes, MAX began manufacturing its own vehicles. Since then, MAX has become the largest vehicle subscription platform for low-to-zero emission vehicles in Africa. Their drivers benefit from access to high-quality vehicles, training, and support services, including emergency response, insurance, and healthcare.
Image: © MAX Drive
Transforming mobility and sustainability
At MAX, the vision is to revolutionize the future of mobility in Africa. The big picture is a seamless transportation experience for Africans powered by innovation, technology, and eco-friendly infrastructure. MAX is not just addressing Africa's mobility challenges—they are committed to transforming the planet for the better. By leading the charge in electric vehicle adoption across the continent, with 18+ operating cities, MAX is making eco-friendly, zero-emission transportation a reality with 750K+ metric tons of CO2 emissions saved.
Their collaboration with informal sector transport operators extends beyond transportation solutions. MAX enhances their earning potential, drives financial inclusion, and provides access to high-quality vehicles. Additionally, they deliver a comprehensive suite of support services, including professional training, insurance coverage, healthcare benefits, and emergency response. These initiatives not only improve operator livelihoods but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient business ecosystem.
The DGGF 10-Year Knowledge Sharing Event not only celebrated the achievements of MAX and the other SMEs but also underscored the vital role of innovative financing in empowering SMEs to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. As we move forward, these inspiring stories remind us of the profound impact that dedicated entrepreneurship and strategic support can have on communities worldwide.