South Africa has emerged as Bolt’s leading market for dash cam adoption, with over 2,724 drivers installing the ride-hailing company’s approved cameras. This places the country well ahead of all other Bolt markets worldwide. Following South Africa is Nigeria, with 1,596 drivers, and in third place is Paraguay, with 1,028 drivers, according to new data released by the company on Monday.
Bolt reports that this milestone indicates a nationwide change in the perception of ride-hailing safety. The rapid and community-driven adoption highlights how South African drivers are embracing new tools to protect both themselves and the passengers they transport. This achievement marks the highest adoption rate for any feature Bolt has ever recorded in any country since its launch.
The achievement was met with high praise from the company. Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, described the moment as evidence that “when innovation meets community, progress accelerates.” He emphasised that each installed dash cam enhances trust, dignity, and accountability in every ride.
Why South Africa is leading this push
The rapid increase in dash cam use is driven by South Africa’s need for safer travel. For years, both riders and drivers have sought better safety measures, particularly during late-night trips and in high-risk areas. Dash cams offer a simple yet effective way to enhance safety. They act as an ongoing witness, which can protect drivers from false claims and help authorities in investigations.
Another factor driving the adoption is Bolt’s long-running safety campaign in the country. The company has been investing in tools that enhance the safety of its platform, including improved rider verification and real-time SOS features. Dash cams, however, have become the most widely embraced of all these additions.
The milestone also sends a message to competitors: safety is becoming a defining battleground in African ride-hailing, and South African drivers are setting the pace.
Also read: Safety: Bolt launches smartphone-dashcams for South African drivers
What this means for drivers, riders, and the platform
Bolt says it will roll out the dash cam programme to more provinces, ensuring that thousands of drivers who have been on waiting lists can now access the devices. The expected expansion could reshape how ride-hailing safety is standardised across South Africa.
The company also plans deeper collaboration with regulators and safety organisations, suggesting that dash cams may soon become a core requirement, not just an optional tool for protecting riders and drivers.
For the industry, the surge could influence how insurance claims are handled, how disputes are resolved, and how new ride-hailing safety policies are written. And for users, more cameras on more trips may lead to fewer confrontations, faster investigations, and increased confidence in the platform.
