In Kinshasa, a unique sight catches attention: women confidently driving pink taxis through the city’s busy streets. This is Ubizcabs, a high-end, women-run taxi service launched by Patricia Nzolantima. More than just providing a ride, Ubizcabs represents a shift in urban mobility and the role of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As a pioneering entrepreneur, Nzolantima is challenging cultural norms by opening up a traditionally male-dominated industry and offering economic opportunities to women in the process. Her vision goes beyond transportation, seeking to economically empower women and recognize the ripple effect on African economies.
Since its launch, Ubizcabs has quickly gained traction, standing out for its quality and message of empowerment. The taxi service was designed to meet the needs of Kinshasa’s growing middle class with reliable, safe, and woman-led rides. Now, through the “Women of the Future” academy, up to 100 new female drivers are trained annually.
Beyond driving skills, the program provides these women with a pathway to financial stability, offering vehicle financing, small business loans, and access to credit through the M’kento women’s digital bank. In many places, including the DRC, women face natural obstacles in the transport sector. Global data shows that about 17% of jobs in this sector are held by women, mainly due to limited resources and societal expectations.
Patricia Nzolantima focuses more on changing this narrative through social innovation.
“We believe the present is female,” she says.
Through Ubizcabs, the company addresses Kinshasa’s safety concerns by providing a reliable and secure transportation solution. For women, using public transport can be daunting. Its door-to-door service, GPS tracking, and online booking ensure a safe and convenient experience. For the founder, these features reflect a commitment to supporting drivers and passengers.
In addition to Ubizcabs, she ventured into logistics, offering delivery services and micro-loans to small retailers. With Bizzoly Transport and Logistics’ support, women drivers can establish credit histories, access funds, and secure insurance, creating opportunities rarely offered to women in similar fields.
The company’s headquarters, Working Ladies-WIA, provides women entrepreneurs with job opportunities and mentorship programs. Through partnerships with global names like Visa and local banks, Bizzoly is developing M’kento, a digital bank for women entrepreneurs to access financial tools, funding, and guidance.
Through Bizzoly’s Women Economic Empowerment Hub, Nzolantima provides field training in everything from agribusiness to tech, aiming to make women a top contributor to Africa’s economy. She dreams of building the continent’s largest financial platform for women, transforming how they access and manage resources.
The vision goes beyond economics for Patricia Nzolantima—it’s about building a new African identity rooted in strength and collaboration. She sees herself as part of a movement to reshape the world views about Africa, highlighting its potential and resilience.
In Kinshasa, where few women have had formal workforce opportunities, Ubizcabs isn’t just a taxi service—it’s a movement reshaping how Africa views and values women. With each ride, the company takes a step toward a future where African women thrive and lead in spaces once closed to them.
