Thursday, December 5, 2024

Bolt to invest over R9.6 billion in Africa over the next two years

The ride sharing application has announced plans to invest €500 million (R9.6 billion) in its operations on the African continent over the next two years.

According to a statement, the funds will be used to expand Bolt services in Africa and create opportunities for over 300 000 new drivers and couriers to join the platform in 2023.

The company launched in South Africa in 2016.

But it should be noted that Bolt now operates ride-hailing and delivery services in six further countries.

This includes 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.

Markus Villig, Founder and CEO, 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.

READ MORE: Emefiele meets with banks’ heads, orders immediate circulation of N200 notes

“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.”

Markus’ comments came as he arrived in Africa with Bolt’s global leadership team where they are visiting local Bolt teams in South Africa and Kenya and meeting with senior government stakeholders, including the South African Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, the Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry and the Governor of Nairobi County.

Speaking after meeting with Bolt, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina said: “I am pleased with the strategic focus that Bolt is making on security features for the riders. I am particularly excited by the commitment to increase the women drivers for women riders category so women have an option to choose a female driver for their trips. The level of abuse against women in South Africa is exponentially high and e-hailing services must be safe spaces for them to use.”

Takura Malaba, Bolt Regional Manager – East and Southern Africa, 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 unemployment is often high 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.”

Hot this week

Planned Labour Strike in Peril as States Distance Themselves

A planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress...

Namibia Elects First Female President Despite Election Controversy

Namibia has made history by electing its first female...

South Africa Takes the G20 Lead, Eyes Global Growth and Climate Action

South Africa will take the helm of the G20...

Nigerian Study Visa Rejections Surged while UK raked in N68bn from Processing Fees

The United Kingdom has earned over $34 million (₦68...

Biden’s Africa Visit: U.S. Pushes Key Railway to Counter China in Green Economy Race

President Joe Biden's visit to Africa this week aims...

Namibia Elects First Female President Despite Election Controversy

Namibia has made history by electing its first female...

Atiku: Arrest of Dele Farotimi Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denounced the arrest...

Nigeria Seeks South Africa’s Support for G20, BRICS Membership

Nigeria has urged South Africa to back its bid...

Nigeria Secures $2.2 Billion Eurobonds to Bridge 2024 Budget Deficit

Nigeria has raised $2.2 billion in Eurobonds to address...

African Future Leadership Magazine Limited Appoints Amb. Nikisha Daniel to Governing Board

The management of African Future Leadership Magazine Limited under...

Nigeria Workers Strike in FCT, Six States Over ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

Workers in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and six...

Related Articles

Popular Categories