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| Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager of Bolt East Africa. |
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – February 16, 2026 – Bolt, one of Tanzania’s leading ride-hailing platforms, has held a detailed press conference in Dar es Salaam to clarify how commissions and ride discounts operate on its platform.
The briefing comes in response to recent unrest among members of the driver community, with concerns raised over promotional discounts and commission rates.
Drivers Do Not Bear the Cost of Discounts
Speaking to journalists, Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager of Bolt East Africa, emphasized that drivers do not absorb the cost of passenger discounts.
He explained that when a rider receives a promotional offer — for example, 40 percent off a trip — the passenger pays the reduced fare shown in the app. Bolt then reimburses the discounted portion directly to the driver after the trip is completed.
This structure ensures that drivers receive their full trip earnings, regardless of any active promotions.
“Drivers are at the heart of our platform. Their ability to earn reliably and sustainably is fundamental to our long-term success. We are committed to maintaining a fair and transparent system that balances affordability for riders with income protection for drivers,” said Kanyankole.
The company reiterated that transparency remains central to its operations.
Commission Structure Explained
Bolt also addressed concerns regarding its commission rates, firmly stating that it charges a 20 percent commission — a rate it says is lower than that of other major competitors operating in Tanzania.
According to the company, the commission framework aligns with guidelines set by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), which permit ride-hailing companies to charge commissions within a range of 15 to 25 percent.
Bolt’s structure is as follows:
- 20% commission per trip
- 2% booking fee
- Full breakdown reflected in every trip receipt accessible to drivers
While some protesting drivers alleged that commission rates had recently increased, the company clarified that the 20 percent commission has been in place for several years.
Commitment to Transparency and Long-Term Growth
The press conference forms part of Bolt’s broader strategy to engage openly with media, drivers and regulators as Tanzania’s ride-hailing industry continues to evolve.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to operating as a stable, long-term mobility partner in the country, focusing on:
- Responsible growth
- Regulatory alignment
- Strengthening driver confidence
- Consistent and transparent engagement
About Bolt
Founded in Estonia, Bolt operates in over 50 countries and more than 850 cities worldwide. The platform provides a range of shared mobility services, including ride-hailing, scooter and e-bike rentals, and car rental solutions.
Globally, Bolt serves over 200 million customers and works with more than 4.5 million drivers. The company’s mission is to accelerate the transition from private car ownership to shared mobility by offering accessible, efficient and affordable transport alternatives.
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