Mobility Company Bolt aims to invest KSh.67 billion in the next two years.
The funding will be used to expand Bolt’s capabilities throughout Africa and to hire more than 300,000 more drivers and couriers by 2023.
In addition to serving more than 47 million consumers and 900,000 drivers now, Bolt has expanded its ride-hailing and delivery services since its launch in South Africa in 2016 to six more nations: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
Its network in Kenya is the largest of any e-taxi app, with a presence in more than 15 towns and cities, including Embu, Kakamega, Malindi, and Nanyuki.
ReadBolt Sets Up Its Africa Head Office In Nairobi
Moreover, Bolt has introduced Bolt Business, a corporate travel branch that offers local businesses transport options, across Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Bolt has also stated that it has exceeded 1 billion rides across Africa in just seven years and anticipates the number of drivers on the platform to exceed 1 million in the next six months.
“Over the past seven years, we have built a strong team of 500 people in Africa and we remain committed to investing in 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.” Founder and CEO Markus Villig said.
Read: Bolt Appoints Takura Malaba As New Regional Manager for East And Southern Africa
Online taxi company Bolt opened its Africa Head Office in Nairobi to serve as a regional hub for its operations in Africa.
Speaking during the official opening, Bolt Regional Director and Interim VP for Rides, Paddy Partridge noted that the investment was significant in strengthening Bolt’s presence in Africa as a region considering the country’s strategic location and infrastructural advancement.
Bolt also launched Bolt Food delivery services in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa to support businesses in the food industry, ranging from small, medium, to large scale, by connecting them to a wide customer base.
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