Chinazom Arinze is solving mobility problems in Nigeria through tech-driven, inclusive vehicle rental solutions.
Chinazom Arinze’s journey into the automotive industry began during her time as a law student at Babcock University, Ogun State. Faced with the economic challenges many Nigerian students experience, she started organising rides between campus and Lagos to earn extra income. This early initiative not only helped ease her financial burden but also revealed a gap in Nigeria’s mobility landscape—reliable and affordable vehicle access.
It was tough paying for my school fees and other bills. To help out, I started looking for opportunities, and my options were real estate and automobiles,” she told Business Day.
In 2019, Arinze officially launched AutoGIRL, initially operating as a car dealership. However, as she observed changing consumer needs and global trends, she pivoted the business into a peer-to-peer vehicle rental platform. Inspired by companies like Airbnb, she sought to build a digital marketplace where vehicle owners could rent out their underused cars to vetted users—offering an alternative to conventional car rental services.
AutoGIRL’s model caters to a broad user base, including students, professionals, tourists, and members of the Nigerian diaspora who prefer flexible transport options while visiting the country. The platform has since expanded its offerings to include boats and private jets, aligning with Arinze’s broader vision of transforming mobility services in Nigeria and beyond.
As of 2025, AutoGIRL has reportedly facilitated over 20,000 rentals and works with hundreds of business clients. The platform maintains an active social media presence, engaging its growing user base.
Beyond its core business, AutoGIRL is actively addressing gender imbalance in the transport and automotive industries. Last year, the company co-launched a women-focused empowerment program, training 60 women in driving, mechanical skills, and digital marketing. Chinazom Arinze, the businesswoman behind AutoGIRL, aims to foster a more inclusive transport sector for women, both as drivers and industry professionals.
Arinze’s background includes marketing and growth strategy. In 2022, she was selected as a mentee under the Tony Elumelu Foundation and has participated in other entrepreneurial programs like Seedstars.
Chinazom Arinze is transforming Nigeria’s transportation sector. Her pioneering strategies in vehicle accessibility, gender integration, and digital advancement are significantly redefining mobility solutions across West Africa.
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