Bolt has launched its services in Harare, Zimbabwe, introducing a unique initiative where drivers won’t pay any commission to Bolt for at least six months, mirroring a similar no-commission approach implemented in Zambia.
However, in countries like Kenya, Bolt applies a standard 18% commission and no longer requires booking fees.
This expansion into Zimbabwe marks the ride-hailing firm twelfth country launch, following its initial debut in South Africa in 2016. Before this expansion, Bolt conducted pilot programs in Zambia in October 2023.
To commence operations in Zimbabwe, Bolt plans to conduct a pilot test, onboarding 300 driver partners initially.
Zimbabwe becomes the third location in southern Africa where Bolt offers ride-hailing services to both businesses and individuals.
Bolt’s Head of Expansion, Laurent Koerge, expressed excitement about testing services in Zimbabwe. Bolt aims not only to increase drivers’ earnings per ride but also to stimulate demand through competitive pricing, with commission rates lower than competitors’.
In 2023, Bolt announced plans to invest over €500 million in Africa, with initiatives creating job opportunities for over 300,000 driver partners. Currently, Bolt operates in 45 countries worldwide, serving over 150 million customers and involving more than 3 million drivers.
Safety remains a top priority for Bolt. The platform took action to suspend 10,000 drivers in Nigeria and Kenya in the latter half of 2023 to address safety concerns. Additionally, Bolt introduced safety measures such as an SOS button, rider and driver verification, and a feature to report drivers who go offline during a trip.