Tech

Bolt Kenya increases fares to cushion effect of fuel price hike

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2023

Ride-hailing platform, Bolt Kenya has announced increasing its fare prices to cushion the effect of soaring fuel price hike for its drivers.

The company, in a statement on Friday, said the fare increase was in “response to the challenging macroeconomic factors affecting the public transport sector such as the recent fuel price hike by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).”

It said that in the capital Nairobi, the increased prices had been effected in all categories with the base fare ranging from KES. 70 and KES. 100 across the Economy, Base, Boda and XL categories.

“The minimum fare has also been increased, with a range of KES. 200 and KES. 250 across the categories. Bolt has also increased per kilometre pricing and introduced a long distance rate,” Linda Ndungu, Bolt Kenya Country Manager, said.

“At Bolt, the interests of our driver community remain at the heart of our business and we truly believe that happy drivers provide better quality service for customers,” she said.

“As such, we have adjusted our pricing to mitigate the rising fuel costs. This adjustment reaffirms our commitment to offering top earnings for drivers on our platform, and to remain the preferred, cost-effective choice for our customers.”

She added that the price changes would also be implemented across all categories in other regions like Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Naivasha and Mt. Kenya.

“In continued efforts to enhance our driver relations and address drivers’ expectations in terms of handling their concerns, Bolt recently launched its Driver Engagement Center located at 6th floor, Delta Chambers in the Westlands area and is accessed on an appointment basis to ensure seamless and effective management of driver issues.,” she said.

“Ultimately, Bolt acknowledges that the drivers on the platform are of utmost importance, and so remains committed to enhancing their earnings, increasing demand, and enhancing their experience when they provide services on the platform,” she added.

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

23 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation

Tech

Moroccan retail-tech startup Z raises $1.5m to drive intense growth

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Morocco-based B2B retail-tech marketplace, ZSystems, has announced closing a $1.5 million seed funding round which will see it carry out its ambitious expansion dreams.

In a statement by co-founder and CEO, Meriem Benabad, the funding round was led by Morocco-based Venture Capital firms, MNF Ventures (through its MNF II fund), Witamax (through Fund II and III), Cash Plus Ventures, and Kalys Ventures.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Z, as we aim to scale operations and bring cutting-edge solutions to traditional retail.

“Our vision is to empower small businesses and unlock growth across Morocco and Africa,” Benabad said.

According to Benabad, the newly acquired capital will support Z’s technology development, product catalogue expansion, and preparation for its next growth phase.

“Z is reshaping the retail landscape by integrating technology and innovation across the value chain. Its scalable platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by the trio of Benabad, Samer Choumar and Youssef Ait-Haddouch, Z’s platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market.

Since launch, the startup has helped over 15,000 active retailers, and seen more than 800,000 orders placed.