Africa’s intercity transport and logistics sector is in a tough spot. With high operational costs and limited digital adoption, many operators struggle to stay profitable, leading to aging fleets, safety issues, and poor customer experiences. Enter T40 Technologies, founded by Mariam Hamidou CEO and Folarin Olulana CTO. This game-changing company has established the largest digital network of bus operators in West Africa in a $30Bn market, covering over 1,000 routes, and pioneering solutions through its ERP platform and marketplace, intercityNG.
We all agree that traveling between cities is a necessity, whether it’s for work, business, family, or personal reasons. In today’s digital world, we also agree that people rely heavily on their smart devices to access critical information and services.
The reality, however, is that, even in 2024, the process of securing interstate transportation can still be frustratingly manual and uncertain. Take Ebuka, for example, a young professional who needed to travel from Lagos to Abuja for a final-stage job interview. Not knowing where to book a bus, he spent hours traveling to different parks, Oyigbo, Jibowu, Ikotun, Iyana-Ipaja, and Maza-maza, only to be left with no clear solution. In the end, he resolved to show up at 5 a.m. at Jibowu, hoping to secure a seat on the first available bus.
Now, imagine if Ebuka could simply log onto a reliable platform, enter his travel route and date, and immediately see multiple options from various transport providers. What if he could read reviews from other travellers, compare prices, and even contact the service providers directly if necessary? And imagine how much easier it would be for the transport companies themselves if they could easily list their services online, access more customers, and operate round the clock.
That’s exactly what intercityNG offers, an efficient digital solution for interstate transport and logistics that simplifies travel for passengers and businesses alike. With this platform, you can book, compare, and manage travel options effortlessly, transforming the entire travel experience.
With intercityNG as its flagship product, T40 is directly tackling inefficiencies in a largely undigitized sector. By offering real-time fleet management, cashless payments, and a feedback loop, T40 has reduced customer complaints by 35% and increased operator revenue by 30% for hundreds of businesses. Their APIs also allow seamless ticket sales across multiple platforms, making travel booking easier than ever for passengers who otherwise spend hours navigating chaotic transit hubs for reliable options.
The Visionary Founders
Mariam and Folarin bring a blend of tech and sustainability expertise that’s shaping the future of African mobility. Mariam’s passion for sustainable urban development drives T40’s mission, born from her personal experiences as a daughter to immigrant parents from Togo and Niger Rep. making her frequent traveller across West African cities. “Every time I hit the road, my life was at risk,” she shares, “I am determined to do the impossible—drive tech adoption to make transport safer, more efficient, and sustainable.” With a background in sustainable transport development, Mariam works alongside Folarin, whose expertise in transport and aviation digitization and past roles with giants like Airbus and Lufthansa lend invaluable experience to T40’s operational success.
Impact and Looking Ahead
In three transformative years, T40 has breathed new life into Nigeria’s intercity transport industry, giving operators the tools to turn inefficient, unreliable systems into streamlined, safe, and customer-focused operations. By expanding across 20 West African cities, T40 isn’t just setting a new benchmark—it’s leading a movement. With a focus on sustainability, tech-driven efficiency, and passenger safety, T40 Technologies envisions an Africa where transport is accessible, transparent, and empowering for all. This is not just a shift; it’s a revolution redefining the way people move and trade across African cities.
