Tunisia suspends Bolt and other ride-hailing apps
The ease of app-based rides in Tunisia sees a temporary suspension.
As someone based in Nigeria, I've witnessed firsthand how ride-hailing apps have transformed urban mobility here and across Africa. In fact, according to Statista, the number of users in the ride-hailing Africa market is expected to reach 268.16m users by 2029.
Apps like Bolt, Uber, Yango, inDrive, and others have revolutionized how people move around cities, providing solutions to longstanding transportation challenges. With just a few taps on your phone, you could summon a ride without haggling over prices or waiting endlessly at taxi stands.
Unfortunately, that convenience has come to a screeching halt in Tunisia as authorities shut down several other unnamed ride-hailing apps, including Bolt, amid a major investigation into financial misconduct. Similar to how Uber faced regulatory challenges in Europe and Lyft navigated licensing issues in various U.S. cities, these apps now find themselves at the center of a regulatory storm in North Africa.
Officials cite money laundering, tax evasion, and operation without proper licenses as the primary reasons. The investigation, led by the National Guard's financial crimes unit, has already resulted in the seizure of approximately 12 million dinars ($4 million) and the suspension of business operations for the implicated companies.
This move has left many Tunisians wondering how they'll navigate daily life. In cities like Tunis and Sfax, where public transportation struggles with years of underfunding and poor maintenance, ride-hailing apps have become a crucial part of the urban mobility ecosystem. According to industry estimates, these apps facilitated over 150,000 rides daily, providing employment for thousands of drivers.
The timing couldn't be worse for commuters. With major ride-hailing services offline, traditional taxis may experience increased demand, potentially leading to longer wait times and higher fares.
For Bolt, which has been a dominant player in Tunisia's ride-hailing market and the most used ride-hailing app in Africa with 21% market share, this suspension represents a significant setback. However, the company continues to expand elsewhere, recently acquiring Danish taxi startup Viggo—its first-ever acquisition and a move that expands its presence in Europe.
Regardless, as the investigation continues, all eyes are on how Tunisian authorities will proceed. Will they establish clearer regulations for ride-hailing services, or will this mark a permanent shift away from app-based transportation solutions? For now, Tunisians are left to adapt to a changing mobility landscape.
David Adubiina
