This was shared during a roundtable discussion that was held in FCT, Abuja, on Wednesday February 21, 2024.

The event marked the initiation of a series of engagements aimed at fostering stronger relationships, mutual understanding, and identifying areas of collaboration between Bolt and its valued driver-partners

The session offered a valuable platform to delve into and find solutions for the issues facing drivers in the FCT.

The drivers had the opportunity to voice their feedback, share experiences, and co-create strategies that drive positive change within the industry.

Yahaya Mohammed, Country Manager, Bolt said,

“We are excited to be hosting these series of engagements with driver-partners. At Bolt, driver partners are at the heart of our business, and events like these enable us to listen, learn, and evolve together. We believe that by working hand in hand with them and with other key stakeholders, we can create meaningful impact and shape a future where everyone benefits.”

Yahaya further spoke on Bolt’s recent licensing approval in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Public Transport Management Scheme.

“The FCT Minister’s recognition of Bolt as a licensed ride-hailing operator validates our commitment to regulatory compliance and underscores our continuous dedication to a safe and secure platform for drivers and passengers alike. As a responsible market player, we advocate for a level playing field among operators in the FCT, urging compliance with the PTMS. We beacon the FCT Minister and the Transport Secretariat to enforce against illegal operators.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to driver welfare and empowerment, Bolt remains dedicated to nurturing a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.

By fostering stronger relationships with drivers and industry stakeholders, Bolt aims to drive innovation, enhance service quality, and deliver exceptional experiences for both drivers and passengers on its platform.

More about Bolt

Bolt is a super-app with over 150 million customers in more than 45 countries and 500 cities across Europe and Africa (list of locations here).

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.

ALSO READ: IN NUMBERS – Insight about Bolt (Nigeria) in 2022

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.

Bolt has also 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.

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. 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.

In 2021, Bolt introduced a new service that allowed female riders to choose a female driver for their journey.

This new category not only increased safety for both drivers and riders in South Africa but also provided women with a way to explore new earnings opportunities.

Following the success of the ‘women-only’ category in South Africa it was also launched in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya.

Ireoluwa Obatoki- Regional Manager, West and North Africa, said: “While many companies are scaling back investments given the macroeconomic environment, we recognize 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.”