(Ecofin Agency) – The VTC specialist claims more than 47 million customers, 900,000 drivers and more than a billion journeys in the seven African markets where it operates. Its new investments should generate more than 300,000 new jobs.
Estonian mobility start-up Bolt announced on Thursday (February 16th) that it will invest 500 million euros ($533 million) to expand its activities in Africa over the next two years.
« At a time when many countries are facing economic challenges, we will continue to strengthen our presence in Africa with this new investment which offers massive potential to create new jobs and income for drivers and delivery people. said Bolt founder and CEO Markus Villig during a visit to South Africa.
Mr. Villig, who is also due to visit Kenya, also said that these new investments on the continent should allow more than 300,000 new drivers and delivery people to join the mobility platform by 2023.
« As many companies scale back their investments given the macro environment, we recognize the transformative effect that platforms like Bolt can have in Africa. We operate in markets where unemployment is often high and by continuing to develop our services we will provide new opportunities for people to earn a good living as a driver, while providing millions of customers with a safe, reliable and affordable way to to move in their cities “, underlined for his part the regional director for Eastern and Southern Africa of Bolt, Takura Malaba.
Bolt currently offers ride-hailing and delivery services in seven African countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Tunisia.
The company claims more than 47 million customers, 900,000 drivers and more than a billion trips in these markets.
The start-up founded in 2013 has also launched “Bolt Business”, its branch dedicated to business travel, in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya.
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