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Bolt pumps R3 billion into South Africa's booming ride-hailing market

A decade of bold bets and local focus turned Bolt into a giant. Now, its R3 billion investment is reshaping how South Africans move—and work.

The image shows a map of South Africa with the best route to the gold fields clearly marked. The...
The image shows a map of South Africa with the best route to the gold fields clearly marked. The map is printed on a paper with text at the top and bottom of the image.

Bolt pumps R3 billion into South Africa's booming ride-hailing market

Bolt has invested R3 billion (€150 million) in South Africa over the past decade. The company has become a major player in the country’s ride-hailing market, focusing on affordability and local relevance. With 30 million passengers and 500,000 drivers on its platform, Bolt continues to expand its presence. Since launching in South Africa, Bolt has grown rapidly, securing its operating licence from the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR). The country now stands as one of the company’s largest and fastest-growing markets worldwide.

Bolt’s investment reflects its confidence in South Africa as a key growth market. The firm also believes platform-based mobility can boost economic participation. In 2025 alone, Bolt committed over R400,000 in seed funding to ten local entrepreneurs through its Accelerator Programme. Beyond local initiatives, Bolt has pledged €100 million globally between 2024 and 2027 to improve safety features. This move aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen operations in high-potential regions like South Africa.

With a decade of investment and a strong foothold in the market, Bolt remains focused on expanding its services. The company’s financial commitments and driver growth highlight its long-term plans for South Africa. Regulatory approval and ongoing funding further solidify its position in the country’s transport sector.

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