Bolt, the renowned ride-hailing operator, is pioneering a groundbreaking accelerator program, the Bolt Accelerator Program, in partnership with the Nest Innovation Park (Nest). This initiative aims to empower Bolt drivers in Nigeria on their entrepreneurial journey by providing them with essential resources and training opportunities.

One of the core components of this program is the Bolt Den, a €25,000 seed fund that will be available to support promising business plans developed by Nigerian drivers. These business plans align with Bolt’s Africa City Vision, which is centered around sustainable transport solutions. By offering this seed fund, Bolt seeks to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among its driver community in Nigeria.

The Bolt Den program will be conducted in collaboration with Nest, an innovation hub with an extensive network of mentors. Eligible drivers participating in this program will receive guidance and mentorship to refine their business plans. The program will culminate in a pitch day scheduled for November, where drivers can present their ideas and potentially secure funding.

In addition to the Bolt Den, Bolt is launching the Bolt Academy in November, which is designed as a specialized online training program for Nigerian drivers. This program aims to enhance drivers’ business development skills and promote their future career growth prospects. The online training component will be delivered through Coursera, a global leader in online education, and will be complemented by in-person sessions provided by PM4Success International.

Collectively, the Bolt Den, Bolt Academy, and the associated mentorship and training opportunities will form the comprehensive Bolt Accelerator Program. This program aspires to redefine the driver experience by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among Bolt drivers and enhancing economic prospects across Nigeria.

Caroline Wanjihia, Regional Director, Rides for Africa at Bolt, emphasized the flexibility that ride-hailing offers to drivers. She stated, “Ride-hailing offers drivers the flexibility to earn while pursuing wider career opportunities.” The Bolt Accelerator Program aims to capitalize on this flexibility by equipping drivers with the skills and resources they need to explore entrepreneurial avenues.

Bolt’s commitment to empowering its driver community through initiatives like the Bolt Accelerator Program reaffirms the company’s dedication to supporting economic growth and innovation in Nigeria’s transportation sector. This program is set to make a significant impact on the lives of Bolt drivers and the broader entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria.