A simple process for licensing, building, securing and launching a ride-hailing app in Ethiopia with INSA, MInT, transport permission and Telebirr preparation.
Related guides in this journey
To start a ride-hailing app in Ethiopia, use the same simple digital-business order: get the correct business license first, build the system, protect the software, pass INSA security inspection, check the MInT process, obtain transport permission, prepare payment and call-center services, and only then go live.
A ride-hailing business is transport supported by software. The company must be ready for driver onboarding, vehicle verification, dispatch, safety, payments, complaints, call center, and regulator follow-up.
Step 1: obtain the business license
Register the company, obtain the TIN and commercial registration, and get the business license before building the full app. For ride-hailing, the license must include Field of business 71113: Land transport and related services.
To add this field, you need at least one business car under the company. Keep the vehicle libre ready. If it is a one-person PLC, the vehicle libre must be in your name or accepted under the company setup before the office adds the activity.
Follow the company registration process in How to Start a Company in Ethiopia.
Step 2: build the mobile app or system
Build the passenger app, driver app, dispatch panel, admin dashboard, support tools, trip records, pricing controls, driver settlement records, and safety workflows. A ride-hailing app is not only two mobile apps; it needs operations software behind it.
Prepare the local server or hosting plan, local IP requirement, database, app-store accounts, test accounts, production domain, callback URLs, and administrator credentials before inspection and transport permission.
Step 3: design the logo and protect the work
Create the company and product logo before the final app release. Keep editable design files, brand colors, source-code ownership agreement, and technical documentation.
Copyright can cover original source code, documentation, graphics, and other creative work. Trademark registration is separate for protecting the name and logo used in the market.
Step 4: submit the system for INSA security inspection
Submit the passenger app, driver app, web admin, dispatch system, and API scope through the INSA Cyber Audit portal. A mobile app, website, and API do not use one identical requirements document.
Documents required for INSA submission
- A copy of the valid business license.
- The copyright certificate for the mobile app or system.
- The Software Requirements Specification (SRS) file for the system being inspected.
- APK, IPA or accepted app-installation method for Android and iOS testing.
- Test accounts for passenger, driver, dispatcher, support, finance, and admin roles.
Web, mobile, and API documentation requested
- Mobile SRS for passenger and driver apps.
- Web/admin SRS for dispatch, call center, finance, and operations users.
- API endpoint list, authentication, callbacks, trip status, payment status, and error handling.
- Architecture diagram, local IP or hosting setup, domain, TLS, database, backups, logs, and access controls.
Step 5: receive and check the INSA certificate
After assessment, fix the reported security findings and provide closure evidence. Keep the certificate and final report with the company records because transport permission and payment onboarding can ask for the INSA result.
Step 6: check the current MInT process
After the app and documents are ready, go to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and ask for the current ride-hailing or digital-platform approval process. Bring the business license, TIN, company documents, app description, server/IP information, INSA certificate or report, and system screenshots or demo access.
Step 7: obtain the transport permission
After MInT approval, obtain the transport permission from the responsible transport authority. For this step, prepare the local IP, server information, INSA inspection result, and the business license showing Field of business 71113: Land transport and related services.
Also prepare the company vehicle evidence. You need at least one business car under the company, with libre ready. For a one-person PLC, the libre must be in your name or accepted under the company structure.
Make sure the system is approved before requesting this permission. Ethio telecom call center, Telebirr, and SMS services can ask for the transport ministry permission before starting the ride-app process.
Step 8: request Telebirr and call-center services
Once the business, technical, INSA, MInT, and transport permission documents are ready, request Telebirr integration and call-center or SMS/OTP API services.
See How to process Telebirr integration for your app or system for the application and integration process.
Required documents for Telebirr, SMS, and call center
- Renewed business license.
- Registration certificate.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN).
- VAT certificate, if registered.
- Memorandum and articles of association, where applicable.
- Request letter and website or app security inspection approval from INSA.
Take the company stamp when you go to sign documents. Also prepare the company bank account that will receive transferred money.
Step 9: go live legally
Launch only after the company has the approvals that apply to its model and every system has passed production testing. Keep driver agreements, vehicle records, insurance, safety rules, support process, privacy notice, pricing records, and daily trip/payment reconciliation ready.
- Business license includes field 71113
- At least one business car and libre evidence ready
- Passenger, driver, dispatch, admin, and API tested
- INSA inspection complete
- MInT and transport permission process complete
- Telebirr payment and callback reconciliation tested
- Call center, support, safety, lost property, and complaints ready
Frequently asked questions
Which business field is needed for ride-hailing?
Use Field of business 71113: Land transport and related services. Confirm the exact wording with the office before submitting.
Do I need a company car before applying?
Yes, prepare at least one business car under the company and keep the libre ready. For a one-person PLC, the libre must be in your name or accepted under the company setup.
When do I obtain transport permission?
After MInT approval, go to the transport ministry head office around Mexico with local IP, server information, INSA inspection result, business license, and vehicle evidence.
Does INSA approve the transport business?
No. INSA checks the digital system security. The transport authority gives the transport permission.
Can fares be paid in cash and Telebirr?
Yes if approved for your operation, but the system must record the payment method, prevent duplicate collection, issue receipts, and reconcile cash and digital payments separately.
Continue the series
- How to Start a Company in Ethiopia
- How to Start an E-Commerce Company in Ethiopia
- How to Start an Equb App in Ethiopia and What It May Cost
- How to process Telebirr integration for your app or system