Skip to main content

Bolt Receives A €20 Million Investment From IFC To Increase Access To Mobility Services In Emerging Markets

Image
By

Bolt is partnering with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to promote access to on-demand mobility services in emerging economies. IFC’s €20 million investment and advisory services will help Bolt expand mobility solutions that create earning opportunities, stimulate small-scale entrepreneurship, and improve access to transportation in Eastern European and African markets.

Bolt launched South Africa – its first African market – in 2016. The company currently operates in seven African countries, providing earning opportunities for more than 400,000 drivers in 70 cities across the continent. IFC’s funding will be targeted towards Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, and African markets, such as Nigeria and South Africa.

Bolt is currently piloting a ‘Women Only’ ride-hailing category in South Africa – a new service aiming to address safety needs and improve women’s mobility by connecting female drivers with female passengers. IFC will support Bolt’s ongoing work to empower women riders and drivers by improving their access to safe and affordable transportation and creating new economic opportunities.

Markus Villig, CEO and Founder, Bolt said: “We are looking forward to partnering with IFC to further support entrepreneurship, empower women and increase access to affordable mobility services in Africa and Eastern Europe. Together with the investment from the European Investment Bank last year, we are proud to have sizeable and strategically important institutions backing us and recognising the strategic value Bolt is providing to emerging economies”.



Stephanie von Friedeburg, IFC Senior Vice President of Operations, said: “Technology can and should unlock new pathways for sustainable development and women’s empowerment. Our investment in Bolt aims to help tap into technology to disrupt the transport sector in a way that is good for the environment, creates more flexible work opportunities for women, and provides safer and more affordable transportation access in emerging markets”.

About IFC

IFC – a member of the World Bank Group – is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. IFC works in more than 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries.

In fiscal year 2020, IFC invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

About Bolt

Bolt is the leading European mobility platform that’s focused on making urban travel more affordable, convenient and responsible.

Bolt has more than 50 million users in over 40 countries across Europe and Africa. Its services range from ride-hailing to micromobility with e-scooters and electric bikes to food and parcel delivery.

All Bolt rides in Europe are 100% carbon-neutral as part of Bolt’s Green Plan, a long-term commitment to reduce the ecological footprint of the company.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Telenovela Channel Eva+ Launches On GOtv And DStv In November

By
Eva+ will begin airing on Tuesday, 1st of November on GOtv Plus on channel 113 as well as all DStv packages on channels 142.  Similarly to Eva, Eva+ will offer high production value Latin American telenovelas fully dubbed in English and Portuguese languages, and will be the first channel in AMC Networks International UK’s (AMCNI UK) regional portfolio to be available on MultiChoice’s DTT platform. Louise Cottrell, Vice President, Affiliate Sales for AMCNI UK said: “We are delighted to expand our telenovela offerings and partner with MultiChoice in introducing Eva+ to the African market. Telenovelas are increasingly popular in the region, so it’s exciting that with Eva+ offered on GOtv in addition to DStv, we will now be able to reach brand new viewers with our top quality content.”
1 comment
Read more

M.ANIFEST TO ROCK GENEVA JULY 6

By
Ghanaian Hip Hop artist M.anifest is set to thrill music lovers in Geneva, Switzerland on July 6 as the opening act for the Summer Series, Musique en ete. M.anifest who has performed extensively in Europe will outdoor some new songs off his soon to be released fourth studio album, Nowhere Cool as well as old hits. Nowhere Cool is a narrative-based exploration of the idea that ”the grass is always greener,” against a musical backdrop which is an ambitious and progressive fusion of Hip-Hop and music of Ghanaian origin. The much anticipated solo project is bound to contain some surprises and M.anifest who says he is putting finishing touches to the album cannot wait to unveil the track list and album artwork later this summer.
Post a Comment
Read more

Catch The Best In Local Entertainment Only On DStv And GOtv This Africa Month

By
As Africa Day (25 May) approaches, viewers are in for a thrilling television viewing treat, thanks to the growing number of exciting locally-produced quality programmes available on the hyperlocal free-to-air channels and local channels on DStv and GOtv. From Zambezi Magic, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music [IS20] to eight Africa Magic channels along with the East Africa-dedicated channels: Maisha Magic East and Maisha Magic Bongo [E36]. This month, feast your eyes on more exciting local content made in Africa, for African for our viewers on DStv and GOtv: · Lip Sync Battle Africa kicked off on 30 April 2016 on MTV Base, and has already recorded epic combats Denrele vs Ebuka, and Flavour vs Maps Maponyane. The show is hosted by the Koko master, D’Banj and well as South Africa’s Pearl Thusi. Catch your favourite local stars as they compete for the title belt of Lip Sync Battle Africa, tune in to MTV Base (DStv channel 322, GOtv channel 72) on Saturday 14 ...
1 comment
Read more