Bolt drivers in Botswana to work for 6 months without paying commission. As part of its expansion strategy, the Estonian mobility company, which encompasses micro-mobility rental, food and grocery delivery, and carsharing services, has announced that it will waive the standard 15% to 20% commission from drivers for the initial six months.
Bolt Drivers in Botswana to Work without Paying Commission
Reports indicate that the company has enlisted the services of 100 drivers to initiate ride-sharing operations in the Southern African nation.
Botswana marks the 14th African country where the mobility company will introduce its services since its debut in South Africa in 2016. This new launch signifies Bolt’s continued expansion plans in the Southern African market, following its recent entry into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia within the past six months.
Laurent Koerge, Bolt’s Head of Expansion, expressed enthusiasm for the unveiling of the company’s ride-sharing services in Botswana. According to Koerge, Bolt aims to “increase earnings for our drivers while fostering high demand through competitive pricing.”
Botswana’s Burgeoning Ride-Sharing Market
While Botswana’s burgeoning ride-sharing market presents growth opportunities for Bolt, the company will also need to navigate an operating environment that may not be entirely conducive for ride-hailing platforms.
In recent years, Bolt has implemented several safety features to protect both drivers and passengers. These include an SOS button for instant police assistance, a share-my-ride option for real-time ride details sharing, and an unmatching feature to prevent future matches between drivers and riders. These measures are intended to proactively address misconduct issues prevalent in the country’s ride-sharing market.
Bolt Will Require Drivers to Possess All Necessary Licenses
Furthermore, Bolt will require drivers to possess all necessary licenses mandated by the country’s mobility regulator. In December 2019, inDrive became the first ride-hailing company to launch in Botswana, gaining popularity among drivers and commuters over the past five years. Until Bolt’s expansion, inDrive remained the sole ride-hailing platform in the country.
inDrive’s Challenges Faced In The Country
However, inDrive has faced numerous challenges, including alleged misconduct by its drivers and resistance from public transport organizations.
As Bolt’s only competitor in Botswana, its investment announcement of €500 million ($542.8 million) in the African market in 2023, with aims to expand and create job opportunities for over 300,000 new drivers, aligns with its objectives. Bolt’s entry into Botswana is consistent with these objectives.
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