Ozi, community driven delivery app launches in Lagos to help travelers make extra money

While a lot of Nigerians will be travelling around the country to celebrate the Yuletide, many others will not be able to. Nonetheless, those who are unable to may want to send packages back home, while loved ones might also be looking to send presents. Ozi, a community-driven delivery app, wants to link travellers with people looking to send packages.

While launching the new service in Lagos, the company says it is offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash. By connecting people travelling with those needing package delivery, the company says it is turning everyday trips into profitable opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Co-founder and CEO Ikenna Ani describes the company’s model as a simple yet powerful idea that leverages the daily movements of Nigerians.

“Why travel empty when you can earn? Ozi allows travellers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease. This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient,” the CEO said.

Ani also said the company’s unique approach of leveraging the everyday movement of travellers to bridge this gap will create a system where everyone benefits.

Ozi to disrupt the $460 billion global parcel delivery industry

With its innovative approach to parcel delivery, Ozi said it is aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.

The system will leverage more travellers with their own private cars who have empty spaces in their vehicles With the app, the traveller can make extra cash by putting all that unused capacity to work by delivering packages along the way. The company also said small business owners who need to send packages to another state but are worried about the high cost of courier services can take advantage of the service.

The CEO, Ikenna Ani said Ozi helps users to find verified travellers who are heading in the right direction to handle their deliveries. He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch location was due to the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.

“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in another country outside Nigeria but for our trust in the Nigerian dream and its potential made us choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation. Travellers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services,” the CEO said.

He also said the platform combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, the platform offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.

From travellers looking to earn on their trips and senders seeking reliable delivery options which are hard to come by these days, the CEO said his platform offers a solution that works for everyone.

Speaking about the Ozi platform, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Engr. Christian Chime, said the app represents a broader effort at creating a shared value for stakeholders.

“Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travellers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created,” the CTO said.

He also pointed out that the platform prioritizes safety and transparency. He said every user, be they senders or travellers, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable.

To further enhance security, Engr. Chime said the platform offers real-time tracking for all transactions. He said senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.

“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics that is why we have built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveller and the sender,” he said.

On his part, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Azubike Augustine, said the startup is more than just an app, describing it as a community where everyone wins.

“From today, travellers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count. We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travellers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us,” Augustine said.

He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025.

See also: Top Nigerian tech stories of 2024: A year in pixels, bytes, and disruptions