Bolt secures South African licence and pledges €100M for global safety upgrades

Bolt has reinforced its position in South Africa with a newly secured operating licence from the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR). The company has also pledged €100 million over three years to improve safety features worldwide. This move follows a decade of significant investment in the country, totalling R3 billion (€150 million). Since launching in South Africa, Bolt has grown rapidly. The platform now supports over 500,000 drivers and has served 30 million passengers. Its success stems from a focus on affordability, availability, and local relevance.

The company recently committed over R400,000 in seed funding to ten entrepreneurs through its 2025 Accelerator Programme. This initiative highlights Bolt’s broader efforts to boost economic participation through platform-based mobility. South Africa remains one of Bolt’s largest and fastest-growing markets globally. The latest investments and licensing confirm the company’s long-term confidence in the region as a key strategic hub.

Bolt’s ongoing expansion in South Africa reflects its commitment to both drivers and passengers. The new safety funding and regulatory approval further strengthen its operations. With continued growth, the company aims to maintain its leadership in the country’s ride-hailing sector.