Entrepreneurs Develop App that helps Curb kidnappings in DR Congo

By Samantha Allen

Published: December 2, 2021 | 1:29 PM GMT

Two women entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo have founded a mobile app that helps keep taxi users safe.

Ursula Ndombele and Magalie Bueyasadila founded ‘Hoja app’ that helps people get information about their driver.

The users scan the a QR code poster on the taxi to get all information about their ride.

A third of Kinshasa drivers have signed up and they say “its good for business as clients trust them more.

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Kidnappings in taxis are common in Kinshasa.

Police say there up to five incidents every week but the last month has seen a decline to only five incidents the whole month.

The Hoja app founders hope to expand presence to other Africa cities.

BBC/Shakirat Sadiq
Entrepreneurs Develop App that helps Curb kidnappings in DR Congo

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.