In a bid to empower local entrepreneurs and advance sustainable transportation solutions in Kenya, Bolt, Africa’s leading on-demand mobility platform, has successfully concluded its Accelerator Program, awarding the top 10 drivers and couriers for their standout business ideas. The award ceremony, hosted at Nairobi’s Sarova Stanley Hotel, recognized innovative projects that promise to reshape Kenya’s mobility landscape.
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Bolt’s Vision for Sustainable Transport
The Bolt Accelerator Program, launched in April 2024 in collaboration with The Nest Innovation Technology Park, attracted over 800 applications from drivers and couriers across Kenya. Designed to provide a platform for Bolt’s partners to transform bold ideas into impactful businesses, the program is part of the company’s strategy to boost local innovation and sustainable transport.
Out of the initial applicant pool, 120 entrepreneurs were shortlisted and underwent extensive training through Bolt Academy—a business skills training phase. Participants learned essential entrepreneurial skills, and the top 20 finalists were selected for exclusive training sessions led by seasoned industry experts. Their ideas were further refined in preparation for Pitch Day, where they presented their business solutions to a distinguished panel of judges.
During Pitch Day, the finalists presented innovative ideas, ranging from electric vehicle charging stations (both portable and stationary), business hubs for drivers, to specialized vehicles catering to persons with disabilities. Other standout pitches included ideas on using technology to enhance last-mile delivery for food and groceries. The diversity and creativity showcased in the pitches underscored the real-world solutions being developed to address challenges in Kenya’s growing transportation and logistics sectors.
The judging panel, which included Linda Ndungu, Bolt’s General Manager for Rides, and Maryanne Akoth, Director for Programs at ISBI at Strathmore Business School, assessed the pitches on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and potential social impact. Their insights were crucial in determining the winners, who walked away with seed funding to jumpstart their ventures.
The top 10 finalists were honored during the award ceremony, each receiving €2,000 (over KES 280,000) in seed funding to bring their business ideas to life. These exceptional entrepreneurs will also participate in a 6-week mentorship program, where they will gain valuable guidance and access to a network of industry experts, ensuring their projects are well-equipped for long-term success.
Some notable winners include:
- Adrian Kagiri Amunga: Awarded for the Most Innovative Idea.
- Antony Gwaro Nyangaresi: Recognized for the Most Scalable Idea.
- Teddy Muthami Muriithi: Honored for delivering the Best Pitch.
Speaking at the event, Linda Ndungu emphasized the vital role Bolt’s driver-partners play in the company’s ecosystem: “Our drivers and couriers are not just service providers—they are key members of our community, and today we celebrate their contributions and invest in their future.”
Oluwajoba Oloba, Co-Founder of The Nest Innovation Technology Park, highlighted the broader economic impact of programs like the Bolt Accelerator, noting how such initiatives fuel job creation, attract foreign investment, and drive Kenya’s GDP growth. “By offering resources, mentorship, and financial backing, Bolt is empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s startup ecosystem,” he remarked, urging other organizations to support similar initiatives.
The significance of the Bolt Accelerator Program was echoed by Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, Principal Secretary, State Department of MSME Development, who lauded Bolt’s efforts for aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030—a roadmap for economic development and job creation. “By fostering innovation at the grassroots level, we’re contributing to a future where technology and entrepreneurship drive prosperity for all Kenyans,” she said, affirming the government’s commitment to empowering drivers and creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
Bolt’s Accelerator Program is part of the company’s broader mission to foster innovation, uplift its driver and courier network, and contribute to Kenya’s economic and social progress. By investing in local talent and nurturing entrepreneurial ideas, Bolt is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of mobility in Kenya and beyond.
The success of this program not only strengthens Bolt’s ties with its driver-partners but also reinforces its commitment to promoting sustainable transport solutions that benefit both individuals and communities. As the winners embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, they are set to become pioneers in Kenya’s evolving transport and logistics landscape.
Key Highlights:
- €2,000 seed funding for each of the top 10 most innovative business ideas.
- Focus on sustainable transport solutions including electric vehicle infrastructure and technology-driven delivery services.
- Bolt Academy provided business skills training for 120 entrepreneurs.
- The program aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, driving job creation and economic growth.
With this accelerator program, Bolt not only celebrates its driver-partners but also sets the stage for the future of mobility in Kenya—one driven by innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
