Tunisia Plans to Halt Bolt's Operations Due to Allegations of Tax Avoidance and Monetary Laundering
In a significant development for the transportation sector in Tunisia, the government has announced plans to launch a state-backed ride-hailing app, following the suspension of several foreign ride-hailing services, including Bolt, Yassir, Heetch, and Amigo.
The move comes amidst allegations of illegal operations and regulatory clashes, with the four companies choosing to withdraw from the Tunisian market. Bolt officially ended its operations in Tunisia on May 9, 2025.
While the specific detailed allegations against these companies have not been fully outlined, the context suggests that regulatory pressure on ride-hailing platforms, involving disputes over legality and compliance with local transport rules, has been a key factor. Public discontent and protests linked to transport and union rights also indicate broader tensions in the sector.
The Tunisian government's decision to introduce a state-backed ride-hailing app is aimed at regulating the sector more directly and addressing the operational challenges posed by private competitors. This move aligns with regional trends where governments seek increased oversight over shared mobility services.
It is important to note that Bolt has rejected the allegations against it, calling them "completely unfounded." The company maintains that its operations in Tunisia comply with local laws.
Authorities have also seized 12 million Tunisian dinars ($3.8 million) from accounts connected to several ride-hailing apps, including Bolt, indicating a tightening of the government's control over the ride-hailing industry.
Interestingly, large international companies like Uber and Careem have not yet entered the Tunisian ride-hailing market, possibly due to the regulatory challenges and uncertainties that the sector currently faces.
Other ride-hailing services, such as Yassir, Heetch, and Amigo, are still operating in Tunisia, with drivers and customers using the apps as usual. However, the future of these services remains uncertain, given the government's plans to introduce a state-backed competitor.
The debate over market dominance and the role of foreign companies in the Tunisian ride-hailing industry remains unresolved. Bolt has warned that banning foreign ride-hailing firms could set a "worrying precedent" and negatively impact market competition.
The new state-backed app is part of broader efforts to reform the transportation sector in Tunisia, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the sector and ensuring that services operate within the law. The new app is expected to include features such as digital payments and real-time tracking, in line with modern ride-hailing services.
As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how the introduction of a state-backed ride-hailing app impacts the competitive landscape in Tunisia's ride-hailing market.
References:
- Tunisie Numérique
- Tunisie Numérique
- Tunisie Numérique
- Tunisie Numérique
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