Tunisian authorities have suspended ride-hailing giant Bolt amid allegations of money laundering and tax evasion, marking a significant regulatory crackdown on digital transportation services in the country. According to Tunisia’s National Guard financial division, Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms were operating without proper licensing and were involved in unauthorized fund transfers abroad. As a result, authorities have frozen approximately 12 million Tunisian dinars (around $3.8 million) in related accounts and ordered the immediate closure of their offices.
Bolt, headquartered in Estonia, operates in more than 500 cities across over 45 countries, including several African nations. The company has grown rapidly by providing affordable ride-hailing, delivery, and micromobility services. However, the firm has faced regulatory challenges in multiple markets. Similar legal and tax issues have emerged in Kenya, where authorities scrutinized Bolt over driver classification and tax remittance.
In Tunisia, the primary contention lies in Bolt’s alleged failure to adhere to tax regulations, coupled with accusations of financial irregularities. Government officials claim that Bolt was transferring revenues abroad without fulfilling local tax obligations, a charge the company firmly denies. Bolt has stated that it complies with all local laws and intends to challenge the suspension legally.
The suspension has left thousands of Bolt drivers in limbo, disrupting the daily commute for many Tunisians who rely on ride-hailing services amid an inefficient public transport system. The lack of alternative mobility options has reignited debates about the government’s approach to regulating digital transportation platforms. Some critics argue that rather than outright bans, authorities should work towards a regulatory framework that allows ride-hailing services to operate legally while ensuring compliance with tax and financial laws.
The suspension is part of Tunisian President Kais Saied’s broader anti-corruption campaign targeting financial misconduct across various sectors. Recently, similar crackdowns led to the arrest of officials from the Tunis Transport Society over alleged mismanagement of public funds. Analysts see the move against Bolt as an extension of the administration’s strategy to assert control over foreign businesses operating in Tunisia and curb what it perceives as economic exploitation.
The case raises significant concerns for the future of ride-hailing in Tunisia and North Africa. If Bolt fails to overturn the decision, other ride-hailing companies like Uber, Yassir, and InDriver could face similar scrutiny. Furthermore, the suspension could deter foreign investment in Tunisia’s growing tech and digital economy sector. As investigations continue, the outcome will likely set a precedent for how ride-hailing firms are regulated in the region.
