Ride-hailing platform, Bolt, in partnership with the Nest Innovation Park will offer a seed fund worth €20,000 to the ten most innovative individuals in June this year as part of its goal to support couriers.
- •Bolt has mentioned that allowing drivers and their immediate family members to take part in this program will empower their incomes as well as fulfill the company’s vision of creating sustainable cities.
- •Bolt will then shortlist 120 successful applicants who will then undergo intense online training to acquaint them with skills in business and career development.
“Ride-hailing and food delivery have always offered drivers and couriers the flexibility to earn whilst pursuing wider career opportunities. We hope this program will take it a step further and help make a real difference to local communities,” said Bolt Regional director for rides Caroline Wanjihia.
The program will then determine 20 exceptional ideas that will be mentored by top-notch entrepreneurs through in-person engagement. This will enable the participants to prepare themselves for the final stage in June, where they will pitch their ideas that will be selected for funding.
“We are excited to support the concepts of our drivers and couriers and extend this program to their family members to make an even bigger impact. The Accelerator program has been an exceptional success in Nigeria, and we are thrilled to extend its impact to Kenya today,” said Caroline Wanjihia.
Bolt has stated that it has launched a similar program in Ghana. The first edition was held in Nigeria in September last year. Its replication in two more African countries signals the positive reception it must have received.
Why Does it Matter?
The Nest Innovation Park as a hub for innovation realizes that couriers have an affinity for invention. Drivers interact with many customers, identifying gaps and opportunities in the mobility sector as well as related areas. By expanding this program to other key Bolt markets, the Nigerian hub will possibly achieve its goals of transforming ideas into economic ventures.
Bolt has been on the negative headlines over the years as the company faces occasional standoffs with its drivers over commissions. Last year, drivers in Kenya wanted the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to decline licensing of the ride-hailing platform until it agreed to raise commission rates.
Bolt intends to find alternative ways of empowering their drivers while focusing on retaining profits. The ride-hailing industry is a competitive zone with different players across the continent looking for innovative ways to dominate market share. Part of their strategies involves guaranteeing drivers opportunities in the innovative sector.
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