Bolt, a leading African ride-hailing startup has launched an Accelerator programme to encourage drivers to become entrepreneurs.
A firm email to reporters exposed this. The programme began with Nest Innovation Park (‘the Nest’).
Selected Nigerian drivers who finish the programme will receive €25,000 starter cash for their business proposals. The business strategies must support Bolt’s Africa City Vision for sustainable transport.
Bolt’s Regional Director of Rides for Africa, Caroline Wanjihia, said ride-hailing has always allowed drivers to work while pursuing other professional aspirations. Thus, she feels the programme will expedite drivers’ goals.
Ride-hailing drivers have always had the flexibility to work while pursuing other careers. We hope this programme will foster ideas that can change drivers’ lives, improve communities, and possibly be integrated into its operations, she said.
Read also: Bolt rewards drivers with ‘Drive for a Prize’
More Bolt Accelerator info
Drivers who pass the application phase will train at the Bolt Academy in November. The Academy is a customised online training programme for Nigerian drivers to improve business development and career prospects.
Coursera, a leader in online scholarship, will deliver online training at the Academy, supplemented by PM4Success International in-person seminars.
The Bolt Accelerator Programme, which combines The Den and The Academy, aims to transform drivers into entrepreneurs and boost Nigeria’s economy.
Our business relies on drivers, and we think delivering more excellent economic empowerment prospects makes our platform more appealing. It’s a win-win, and we intend to expand the programme in Africa.” Caroline finished.
The Nest and the Accelerator programme will work together closely. The company will set up a network of mentors to help qualified drivers make business plans before a pitch day in November.
Oluwajoba Oloba, co-founder of The Nest, said about the new development that The Nest is very excited about the Bolt Accelerator Programme because it promises to make workers’ lives better.
“We are very excited about the Bolt accelerator programme because it fits with Bolt’s commitment to the success and happiness of its partners, which sets Bolt apart from its competitors. Oluwajoba said, “This initiative will not only improve the quality of life for people in the Bolt ecosystem, but it will also make a valuable contribution to our ecosystem’s innovation landscape and the overall GDP of our country.”
The Nest and the Accelerator programme will work together closely. The company will set up a network of mentors to help qualified drivers make business plans before a pitch day in November.
Oluwajoba Oloba, co-founder of The Nest, said about the new development that The Nest is very excited about the Bolt Accelerator Programme because it promises to make workers’ lives better.
“We are very excited about the Bolt accelerator programme because it fits with Bolt’s commitment to the success and happiness of its partners, which sets Bolt apart from its competitors. Oluwajoba said, “This initiative will not only improve the quality of life for people in the Bolt ecosystem, but it will also make a valuable contribution to our ecosystem’s innovation landscape and the overall GDP of our country.”
Bolt reaches 250 million+ rides across 3 billion kilometres in Nigeria
Coursera’s Managing Director EMEA, Hadi Moussa, said the business is excited to help Bolt drivers discover their potential.
We’re excited to help Bolt drivers become entrepreneurs. “This programme helps individuals develop business skills and boosts Nigeria’s economy. It reinforces our belief that education transforms lives and communities, he said.
Bolt already has several engagement programmes in Nigeria to strengthen its ties with the driver ecosystem. The company announced it had over 3.5 million drivers and couriers worldwide. The corporation claims that 1 million are in Africa. This is 28.5% of its global drivers and couriers.
The organization also reached 150 million consumers across these verticals. Its users are predominantly in 45 nations and 500 cities, even though it hopes to become the first European mobility platform to become fully profitable within a year.