Bolt, the renowned mobility company, has marked a significant milestone in its African journey by launching its services in Botswana, making it the 14th African nation to join its network since its debut in South Africa in 2016. This move is part of Bolt’s strategic expansion in the Southern African market, following successful launches in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Laurent Koerge, Bolt’s Head of Expansion, shared his enthusiasm for the company’s entry into Botswana, highlighting their goal to boost driver income and stimulate demand with competitive pricing. Bolt’s approach comes at a time when Botswana’s ride-sharing market is still in its infancy, offering ample room for growth despite the challenges of an operating environment that has been less than ideal for ride-hailing platforms.
To ensure the safety of its users—both drivers and passengers—Bolt has introduced several safety features. These include an SOS button for instant police contact, a share-my-ride option for tracking ride details in real-time, and an unmatching feature to prevent unwanted future pairings between drivers and riders. These innovations aim to protect users and proactively address the misconduct issues prevalent in the country’s ride-sharing sector.
Moreover, Bolt is committed to regulatory compliance, mandating that all drivers obtain the necessary licenses as required by Botswana’s mobility authorities.
Before Bolt’s entry, inDrive had been the sole ride-hailing service in Botswana since its launch in December 2019. Despite becoming a favorite among drivers and commuters, inDrive faced challenges such as driver misconduct and resistance from traditional public transport systems.
Bolt’s investment of €500 million ($542.8 million) in the African market in 2023 underscores its commitment to expansion and job creation, aiming to onboard over 300,000 new drivers. The launch in Botswana is a strategic step in line with these objectives.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Bolt has announced that drivers in Botswana will operate without paying any commission for the first six months. This unprecedented move is designed to empower local drivers and stimulate the ride-sharing economy in Botswana. By waiving the commission fees, Bolt is set to attract a significant number of drivers, thereby increasing the availability of ride-sharing services and fostering a competitive market landscape.
Bolt’s commission-free period is a game-changing strategy that promises to reshape the ride-sharing experience in Botswana, benefiting drivers and commuters alike and paving the way for a more robust and sustainable transportation ecosystem.