Bolt To Invest €500m In Africa, Surpasses 1bn Rides

Bolt leading mobility app in Africa, has announced plans to invest €500 million in its operations on the continent over the next two years.

The funds will be used to expand Bolt service operation in Africa and create opportunities for over 300,000 new drivers and couriers to join the platform in 2023.

Having launched in South Africa in 2016, Bolt now operates ride-hailing and delivery services in six further countries – Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Tunisia – with over 47 million customers and 900,000 drivers on the platform.

Bolt Business, Bolt’s corporate travel arm, has also been introduced in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya, offering local businesses safe and affordable ways for their employees to travel.

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This is just as Bolt announced that it has surpassed 1 billion rides in Africa in just seven years and expects the number of drivers on the platform to hit over 1 million in the next six months.

Founder and CEO, Markus Villig said: “over the past seven years, we have built a strong team of 500 people in Africa and we remain committed to investing into local communities for the long-term.

“At a time when many countries are facing economic challenges, we will continue to grow our presence in Africa through this new investment which offers massive potential to create new jobs and income opportunities for drivers and couriers.”

Regional manager, West and North Africa, Ireoluwa Obatoki said: “while many companies are scaling back investments given the macroeconomic environment, we recognise the transformational effect platforms like Bolt can have in Africa. We operate in markets where there are unique challenges and by continuing to expand our services we will offer people new opportunities to earn a good living by being a driver, as well as providing millions of customers with a safe, reliable, and affordable way of moving around their city.”