Bolt, a global leader in shared mobility, is extending its transformative Bolt Accelerator Program to South Africa, opening up new opportunities for entrepreneurial innovation and economic empowerment. This initiative aims to support Bolt drivers and their immediate family members, offering them the chance to turn innovative business ideas into reality.
Following its success in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, the program now seeks to identify 10 promising startup ventures in South Africa, providing seed funding and mentorship to help participants build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
What Is the Bolt Accelerator Program?
The Bolt Accelerator Program is a unique initiative designed to empower Bolt driver partners by providing them with the tools, resources, and funding to launch their entrepreneurial ventures.
Funding and Focus Areas
Participants will be invited to pitch business ideas that address real-life mobility challenges in South Africa. The program focuses on areas such as:
- Sustainability: Innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of mobility.
- Inclusive Mobility: Ensuring transport systems are accessible to all.
- People-Centric Cities: Creating urban environments that prioritize the needs of residents.
Successful applicants will receive:
- €2,000 (approximately R40,000) Seed Funding: A total of €20,000 is available to fund 10 business ideas.
- Mentorship and Workshops: Guidance from industry experts to refine and implement their plans.
Partnership with Pranary: A Practical Approach to Business Success
To deliver the program, Bolt has partnered with Pranary, a practical business school known for its results-driven approach. Pranary’s AI-enhanced platform and network of experienced mentors will equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to transform their ideas into viable businesses.
Pranary’s Role in the Program
Sandras Phiri, Founder and CEO of Pranary, highlighted the importance of actionable learning:
“Through our AI-enhanced platform and network of mentors, we’ll provide participants with the tools, skills, and guidance needed to turn their ideas into businesses. This program perfectly aligns with our mission to empower entrepreneurs through practical learning and implementation.”
Bolt’s Commitment to Economic Empowerment
For Bolt, this initiative is about more than just supporting its drivers—it’s about fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that can create lasting impacts. Simo Kalajdzic, Bolt’s Senior Operations Manager for South Africa, emphasized the broader vision:
“We see ride-hailing as more than just a source of income; it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurial dreams. By supporting drivers’ innovative projects, we’re helping them build sustainable businesses and contribute to their communities.”
This expansion builds on the program’s success in other African countries, where it has already supported drivers in creating groundbreaking businesses such as:
- Mobile apps for vehicle maintenance.
- Electric vehicle charging stations.
- Fleet management solutions.
Success Stories from Other Countries
The Bolt Accelerator Program has already funded 30 Bolt driver partners across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, enabling them to launch a diverse range of businesses. Additionally, 360 drivers have participated in the Bolt Academy, a skills development initiative that complements the accelerator program by equipping drivers with practical knowledge.
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These initiatives have proven to be a springboard for drivers to not only improve their livelihoods but also make significant contributions to their local economies.
How the Program Works in South Africa
Eligibility and Application
The program is open to Bolt drivers and their immediate family members in South Africa. Applicants must present a detailed business plan focused on mobility-related challenges.
Pitching and Selection
Shortlisted participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. The top 10 ideas will receive seed funding and mentorship.
Workshops and Mentorship
Selected participants will undergo a series of workshops led by Pranary’s mentors. These sessions are designed to help refine their ideas, address potential challenges, and create actionable plans for implementation.
Why South Africa?
South Africa’s dynamic economic environment presents unique opportunities and challenges in the mobility space. By bringing the accelerator program to the country, Bolt aims to unlock innovative solutions tailored to local needs, empowering drivers to be part of a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This program comes at a critical time, offering a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to address pressing issues in transportation, sustainability, and urban development.
The Road Ahead: Creating a Legacy of Innovation
With the expansion of the Bolt Accelerator Program to South Africa, Bolt reaffirms its commitment to creating opportunities for drivers beyond ride-hailing. The initiative is not just about funding startups—it’s about fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and community impact.
As the first cohort in South Africa embarks on this journey, the program promises to leave a lasting legacy by enabling drivers to become change-makers in their communities. For Bolt drivers and their families, this is more than a program—it’s the start of something transformative.
