Bolt’s newest safety report highlights a major shift happening on African roads, one led by South Africa, where thousands of drivers are embracing dash cams to create a safer ride-hailing environment.
With 2,724 drivers now using Bolt-approved dash cams, South Africa stands as the company’s top-performing market worldwide. Nigeria, with 1,596 drivers, takes the second spot, followed by Paraguay with 1,028.
Yet the real story goes beyond these figures. It reflects growing safety concerns, a strong community response, and a transformation in how drivers protect themselves and their passengers.
A Turning Point for Ride-Hailing Safety in South Africa
Ride-hailing safety has long been a challenge across South Africa. Late-night trips, unpredictable incidents, and rising security concerns have pushed drivers and riders to seek more reliable safeguards.
So when Bolt introduced dash cams, the response was immediate and powerful.
Drivers quickly adopted the devices—not just as tech accessories, but as unbiased witnesses capable of providing evidence during disputes and emergencies.
Bolt says this is the fastest and strongest adoption of any safety feature it has ever launched globally.
Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, summed up the milestone:
“When innovation meets community, progress accelerates.”
Each installed dash cam becomes a tool that strengthens trust, accountability, and transparency on every trip.
Why South Africa Leads the Global Dash Cam Push
Several factors are fueling the surge in adoption:
1. Heightened Need for Safer Trips
Drivers face false accusations, risky situations, and unpredictable passengers. Dash cams offer protection and clarity.
Riders also feel more secure, especially during nighttime or long-distance rides.
2. Bolt’s Long-Term Safety Investments
Bolt has steadily introduced new tools, such as:
- Stronger rider verification
- Real-time SOS and emergency support
- Better safety monitoring
But the dash cam initiative has become the most successful of all these safety upgrades.
3. Driver-Led Adoption
The rise in usage wasn’t mandated. It spread naturally, powered by word-of-mouth and real stories from drivers.
It became a grassroots safety movement.
What Comes Next for Bolt’s Dash Cam Project in South Africa
Bolt plans to expand access to dash cams across more provinces, ensuring thousands of drivers on waiting lists can finally get the devices.
Upcoming plans include:
- A broader nationwide rollout
- Strengthened partnerships with regulators and safety bodies
- Policy discussions that may make dash cams a required safety feature
This expansion could reshape:
- How insurance companies assess claims
- How driver-passenger disputes are resolved
- How national ride-hailing safety rules are drafted
For passengers and drivers alike, this means faster conflict resolution, fewer incidents, and greater trust.
Nigeria: A Rapidly Growing Safety Market
Nigeria’s ranking as the second-highest dash cam market globally shows that drivers are increasingly opting for tools that provide evidence and protection, especially in busy urban centres where safety concerns are common.
Bolt sees significant momentum in Nigeria, with adoption expected to continue rising as more drivers seek improved security.
Building a Safer Ride-Hailing Future
What started as a single safety feature is quickly becoming a driving force for industry-wide change.
As dash cam usage continues to grow across South Africa and Nigeria, ride-hailing platforms are moving toward a future defined by openness, accountability, and stronger safeguards for all.
For Bolt, it’s a major achievement.
For drivers, it’s added protection.
For riders, it’s increased confidence.
And for African mobility, it’s a clear sign that meaningful innovation happens when communities embrace it together.
