#17
LITTLE
Little is a premier ride-hailing service born from a collaboration between Safaricom and Craft Silicon. The company has gained a strong foothold in Kenya and expanded its operations across Africa and beyond. Under the leadership of Kamal Budhabhatti, the company’s CEO and founder, Little has grown from a local ride-hailing solution to a regional leader, known for its innovative technology and professional service. It operates in several countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, Ghana, and even as far as India, providing transport and delivery services to both corporate and individual clients.
Beyond its technological prowess, Little has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, seamlessly integrating these values into its business operations.
Environmentally, Little has actively embraced green mobility by integrating electric bikes and scooters into its fleet. These electric two-wheelers, equipped with geofencing technology, ensure they operate within specific locations, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The electric bikes offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, reducing environmental impact while promoting cleaner transport options. These bikes, designed for durability, require minimal maintenance and can travel up to 40 kilometres (km) on a single charge.
On the social front, Little has championed gender equality and inclusivity within the taxi industry. The company has implemented robust initiatives aimed at empowering women, both as drivers and entrepreneurs. For instance, Little’s LadyBUG category, which features women-only rides, is part of a broader strategy under the Little Women Initiative (LWI). This initiative, launched in 2022, seeks to equip women with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the transportation sector. Through these programs, Little aims to empower one million female drivers across Africa by 2030. These initiatives are coupled with efforts to integrate women into other areas of the business, such as delivery services.
Moreover, in 2024, Little increased its fare rates by 15 percent across all fleet categories to improve driver earnings amid economic challenges, a decision welcomed by its drivers. CEO Kamal Budhabhatti emphasised that the move not only supports drivers but also enhances the platform’s reliability for customers by ensuring better service. This adjustment, although leading to slightly higher costs for riders, reflects Little’s commitment to driver welfare, listening to their concerns, and maintaining competitive services. The decision aligns with Little’s broader ESG commitment to social responsibility, especially in supporting its drivers’ livelihoods in a challenging economic climate.
The company’s dedication to good governance is evident in its transparent handling of data and privacy concerns. Little has developed a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines the type of data collected from users, how it is processed, and how users can control their personal information. This level of transparency is further underscored by its commitment to ethical data practices, such as refraining from collecting sensitive information related to race, health, or political opinions. Little’s governance framework also prioritises security, employing strict administrative, physical, and electronic measures to ensure data protection and to prevent unauthorized access.
The company’s policies further extend to ensuring fairness and equity in all aspects of its operations. Little’s Drivers Anti-Discriminatory-Equality Policy is a standout example of its commitment to equal treatment, prohibiting any form of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. This policy is designed to create an inclusive environment for both drivers and riders, ensuring that no one faces prejudice while using the platform. Furthermore, the company encourages feedback from users on how it can enhance its inclusivity efforts, providing a direct line of communication for suggestions and concerns, with a commitment to responding promptly.
Little stands out as a forward-thinking ride-hailing service that goes beyond just offering transportation solutions. Its strong adherence to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance makes it a model of what modern companies should strive for. From promoting green mobility with electric vehicles, to empowering women through inclusive programs, and ensuring data privacy and non-discriminatory practices, Little exemplifies what it means to integrate ESG principles into business operations while driving meaningful impact.
AUTHOR: MARILENE MERCY
EDITOR: DR. HANNINGTONE GAYA
