Bolt granted license to operate in Zanzibar, marking major leap in ride-hailing policy

Unguja. Zanzibar has officially licensed ride-hailing company Bolt to operate on the islands, marking a significant policy shift that opens the door for tech-enabled mobility services in the Isles

The announcement, made on August 6, signals a new chapter for urban transport in Unguja, as authorities seek to modernise public mobility while unlocking economic opportunities tied to tourism and digital platforms.

Bolt’s entry into Zanzibar is the first major ride-hailing deployment on the islands and comes amid growing demand for efficient, safe, and flexible transportation options — particularly during peak tourism seasons.

The company, which operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities worldwide, says its presence will benefit both local residents and international visitors.

“This milestone is a vote of confidence in Bolt’s track record, and we’re proud to deploy our platform in service of Zanzibar’s economic ambitions,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager for Bolt Tanzania.

“We applaud the Government’s bold and progressive decision to embrace ride-hailing as a tool for economic stimulation and inclusive growth.”

Kanyankole also acknowledged the collaborative role of the Zanzibar Road Transport and Safety Authority (ZARTASA), noting that constructive policy dialogue helped shape a regulatory framework that supports innovation, job creation, and improved mobility services.

For the government, the move reflects a broader strategy to leverage technology and private-sector partnerships to stimulate community-level growth. Officials say formalizing ride-hailing platforms like Bolt will not only help decongest urban areas but also support informal job creation and improve service delivery across sectors.

The timing is critical. According to the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, the islands recorded more than 106,000 international visitors in July alone — the highest monthly tourist arrival in the archipelago’s history. Since the start of 2025, Zanzibar has already welcomed nearly half a million tourists, placing significant pressure on the region’s transport infrastructure.

Bolt’s rollout is expected to boost resilience in mobility during high-tourism periods while offering familiar, tech-enabled solutions for global travellers. The platform also promises to open income streams for local drivers, who can now plug into a globally recognized system with in-app safety features and transparent pricing.

The company has yet to confirm the exact number of drivers or routes for its Zanzibar service but has emphasized that operations will begin in Unguja, with potential expansion based on demand and regulatory support.

As Zanzibar continues to evolve as a high-profile destination, the entry of Bolt could serve as a model for further digital transformation in transport and tourism.