Banteab Abiy, Founder and CEO, Liyu Bus
What happens when an entire nation relies on outdated transport management systems? For millions of Ethiopians, long lines, last-minute tickets, seat shortages, and inefficient processes have become the norm. This reliance on traditional bus operators, many using management systems that have been in place for over 100 years—essentially since public transport began in Ethiopia—hinders economic growth and social mobility, trapping many in cycles of frustration and missed opportunities.
These outdated systems lead to operational inefficiency, wasted resources, and significant financial losses. Companies using manual management methods struggle to scale, face competitive disadvantages, and risk employee frustration. Those that persist with these antiquated practices will find themselves increasingly unable to meet the demands of modern travelers and a rapidly changing market.
However, change often begins with those who refuse to accept the status quo. Banteab Abiy, Founder and CEO of Liyu Bus and Engida Travel Technology PLC, exemplifies this spirit of innovation. He’s improving mobility in Ethiopia by introducing transformative solutions that reshape how people move and connect.
His journey is one of resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering quest for progress. Driven by the belief that mobility is the foundation of social and economic empowerment, Banteab has taken on the challenge of modernizing Ethiopia’s transport ecosystem. By transforming outdated ticketing systems into seamless digital networks and bridging the gap between accessibility and innovation, Banteab is redefining how people travel across the country.
But revolutions are never met without opposition. In an industry steeped in tradition, Banteab faced skepticism, regulatory hurdles, and resistance to change. Yet, like a navigator in uncharted waters, he turned setbacks into opportunities, proving that innovation goes beyond technology—requiring vision, determination, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Banteab set out with a strong vision—to build Ethiopia’s first all-in-one travel platform for seamless hotel bookings, flights, and tourism services. Inspired by global travel disruptors, he aimed to simplify and digitize the way Ethiopians planned and booked their trips. However, the reluctance of Ethiopia’s e-infrastructure and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged Banteab’s ambitious vision. Undeterred, he pivoted—recognizing a critical gap in bus transportation and shifting his focus to address that need.
As millions of Ethiopians relied on manual ticketing systems and inefficient travel booking processes, people faced long queues, last-minute shortages, and a lack of transparency Also most operators ran their businesses inefficiently, struggling with disorganized management, constant financial losses, and debt by the end of the year. Liyu Bus was built to change that. The backbone of the platform wasn’t just ticketing—it was a powerful management system that allowed operators to control every aspect of their business from a single window. With AI integration, a smart algorithm now automates staff assignments, considering four key factors—route direction, availability, past performance, and efficiency—before selecting the right driver and conductor for each trip.
Banteab addressed this inefficiency by launching Liyu Bus , a SaaS-based bus booking platform designed to close the gap between passengers and operators in real time. The impact was instantaneous. Engida oversaw over half a Billion ETB (Ethiopian Birr) transactions and served more than a million travelers. The platform transformed the Ethiopian travel experience, proving that digital solutions could easily streamline mobility.
Liyu Bus: Modernizing Intercity Travel
While Engida focused on digitizing Ethiopia’s broader travel ecosystem, Banteab saw another critical gap—intercity bus travel. Ethiopian travelers struggled with cumbersome ticketing processes, unreliable seat availability, and operational burdens. To narrow this gap, he co-founded Liyu Bus, an app-based platform geared toward expediting long-distance travel. With Liyu Bus, travelers could finally skip long queues and book seats online or through agents, while bus operators gained real-time insights, better seat management, and automated sales tracking.
“We saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between outdated booking processes and modern technology,” Banteab explains. “Liyu Bus eliminates common travel frustrations and offers passengers the comfort they deserve.” The platform’s impact has been profound. By embracing technology and local expertise, Liyu Bus has made travel more accessible, improved efficiency, and increased revenue for bus operators. But for Banteab, this is just the start—he continues to refine the platform with AI-driven optimizations and expand into new markets, ensuring a more seamless and connected transport experience for Ethiopians.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Modernizing Ethiopia’s travel industry presented its own difficulties. Bus operators accustomed to manual ticketing opposed the shift to digital solutions, as many feared adopting new systems would derail their long-term operations. So, instead of forcing change, Banteab took the educational approach, demonstrating how technology could improve efficiency, increase profits, and enhance customer experience. With time, the industry began to embrace digital transformation.
Regulatory troubles posed yet another obstacle as digital ticketing remained undervalued within Ethiopia’s legal system. However, Banteab’s persistence came through by working closely with government officers and industry players, setting the stage for a more technology-oriented journey. His approach increased transparency, reduced fraud, and simplified operations.
A Leadership Rooted in Creativity and Results
Banteab’s leadership style represents an impeccable blend of creativity, unpredictability, and results-driven decision-making. He thrives on thinking unconventionally, persistently urging his team to welcome new ideas and question the system.
“I’m not afraid to take risks or disrupt conventional wisdom,” he says. “Innovation happens when you explore treacherous terrains. But at the end of the day, every idea must yield real impact.” His philosophy stands firm in designing Engida and Liyu Bus into industry leaders, proving that technology can be a potent force for progress in Ethiopia’s transport sector.
Raising the Bar for Mobility Solutions in Africa
Banteab’s vision stretches far beyond Ethiopia, as he embarks on transforming Engida Travel Technology PLC and Liyu Bus into powerhouse tech companies across Africa. His goal for the next decade is nothing short of revolutionary: to set a new standard for mobility solutions, creating a seamless and interconnected transportation network across the continent. “In ten years, I see Engida as Africa’s ultimate travel booking hub, reshaping how people plan their journeys. Liyu Bus will become the go-to platform for bus ticketing and transport management, setting new benchmarks in both efficiency and accessibility,” he shares with unwavering conviction.
Banteab’s ambitious vision is already in motion. Following the African Startup Conference in Algeria, he connected with passionate founders from across the continent, forging key collaborations and partnerships. Now, he’s reviewing the MOU to kick-start these ventures, marking the immediate launch of this broader expansion into African markets.
Fueled by technological innovation, strategic market growth, and a network of dynamic partnerships, Banteab is ready to lead the charge. By integrating cutting-edge features like AI-driven travel planning, multi-modal transport booking, and smart logistics solutions, he’s determined to redefine Africa’s mobility landscape and elevate it into the digital age.
Resilience, Vision, and Transforming Mobility
From his in-depth experience in Ethiopia’s travel industry, Banteab learned that entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding challenges but preparing for greater ones. “The journey is tough. Every step forward brings new obstacles, but that’s the nature of building something worthwhile,” he reflects. “Success isn’t merely about reaching a goal—it includes resilience, adaptability, and forging ahead even when facing an uphill battle.”
Another key lesson that Banteab imparts is that people may doubt your vision initially, but that doesn’t mean they won’t support you later. “No one may believe in your idea at first—not even friends or family. But don’t distance yourself from them. Stay true to your vision, prove its value, and eventually, they’ll see the results. The journey is better still when shared with the people who count,” he advises.
His entrepreneurial journey is a chronicle of endurance, innovation, and indomitable will. Through Engida Travel Technology PLC and Liyu Bus, Banteab Abiy isn’t just revitalizing Ethiopia’s transport sector—he’s ushering in a smarter, more connected African travel ecosystem. By embracing technology, challenging outdated norms, and leading with vision, he is reshaping mobility in Ethiopia and beyond. And for him, this is just the beginning.