The Bolt Accelerator Program in Ghana recently concluded its transformative journey, culminating in a prestigious Award Ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel on June 25, 2024. Launched in collaboration with The Nest Innovation Technology Park, this program empowered a dynamic group of Ghanaian entrepreneurs to bring their bold ideas related to sustainable transport to life.

From Applications to Pitch Day: A Thrilling Entrepreneurial Journey

In April 2024, the Bolt Accelerator Program received an overwhelming response, with hundreds of applications pouring in from drivers and couriers across Ghana. From this pool of applicants, 10 entrepreneurs were shortlisted and embarked on a rigorous journey through the Bolt Academy—a business skills training phase designed to equip them with essential entrepreneurial tools.

The heart of the program lay in the video pitches presented by these aspiring entrepreneurs. The top 20 participants, selected based on the quality and innovation of their ideas, advanced to the next phase. This stage included exclusive training sessions led by seasoned industry experts, allowing participants to refine their concepts and hone their entrepreneurial skills.

Pitching Innovative Solutions for Community Impact

At the highly anticipated Pitch Day, the top 20 finalists showcased their inventive business solutions to a distinguished panel of judges. Among the esteemed judges were Weyinmi Aghadiuno (Acting Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa at Bolt), Jemima R. Rockson (Business & Project Manager at GNBCC), Walter Dzimey (Technical Advisor at GIZ), and other industry experts. These judges evaluated the pitches based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.

The diversity of ideas presented was remarkable. Participants proposed solutions ranging from creating charging stations for electric vehicles (both bikes and cars) to on-the-go automobile wash services. Modern automobile stores offering a variety of services and efficient grocery stores aimed at enhancing community access to fresh produce were also part of the mix. These concepts underscored the practical solutions being developed to address various needs within the community.

Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit and Impact

Lola Masha, Regional Manager for North and West Africa at Bolt, expressed immense pride in the program’s participants: “We are incredibly proud of all the Bolt drivers and couriers who participated in the Bolt Accelerator Program. Their dedication and creativity have been truly inspiring, and we are excited to see the positive impact their innovations will have on communities across Ghana. Drivers and couriers are the backbone of our business, and we remain committed to supporting entrepreneurial growth and development in the region.”

Mabel Sagoes, Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, echoed this sentiment: “We are excited to see Bolt’s dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through the Bolt Accelerator Program. By supporting drivers and couriers through this entrepreneurship program, Bolt is not only enhancing individual livelihoods but also contributing significantly to the advancement of Ghana’s transport sector. We are committed to collaborating with Bolt to ensure these innovative ideas are seamlessly integrated into our transport infrastructure, driving progress for the nation.”

Conclusion

The Bolt Accelerator Program stands as a beacon of hope for Ghanaian entrepreneurs, bridging gaps through information, commerce, and sustainable solutions. As these visionary individuals continue to shape the future of transportation, their impact reverberates far beyond the roads—they are driving progress for an entire nation.