The proliferation of digital platforms has fundamentally transformed employment structures, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities while exacerbating labor precarity. In the gig economy, ride-hailing platforms such as In-Drive provide flexible income-generating opportunities but also introduce significant challenges related to income instability, worker protections, and algorithmic control. This paper examines the role of In-Drive in shaping entrepreneurial strategies and economic resilience in Rabat, Morocco. By analyzing the lived experiences of drivers, it explores how digital platforms facilitate self-employment while reinforcing structural vulnerabilities.

Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of labor precarity developed by Maryse Bresson, Serge Paugam, and Robert Castel, this study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining participant observation and in-depth interviews with In-Drive drivers. Findings reveal that workers engage with the platform as a means of income diversification, often viewing their activity as an entrepreneurial endeavor rather than conventional employment. However, the absence of social protections, lack of contractual stability, and dependence on opaque platform algorithms create significant financial and occupational uncertainties.

The study identifies three key strategies adopted by drivers to navigate these challenges:

Despite these adaptive strategies, workers face persistent challenges such as high commission fees, rising fuel costs, and competition with traditional taxi services. Moreover, algorithmic management dictates work availability and pricing, often limiting drivers' autonomy over their labor conditions. These findings underscore the paradox of digital labor platforms: while they provide new avenues for entrepreneurship, they also deepen economic precarities.

As Morocco prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the role of gig platforms in meeting increased transportation demands presents a crucial policy consideration. This study highlights the need for regulatory interventions to ensure fair working conditions and sustainable economic growth in the platform economy. Future research should explore cross-city and cross-country comparisons to assess how different regulatory frameworks impact platform labor dynamics.