Tunisia is reportedly shutting down Bolt, Heetch, and other foreign taxi-hailing services as part of a government plan to introduce a state-backed ride-hailing platform. The move follows corruption investigations into these companies, with authorities accusing them of money laundering, tax evasion, and operating without proper licenses.
Sources suggest the shutdown is a strategic move to eliminate foreign competition ahead of the government’s planned national ride-hailing app, set to launch by June 2025. Unlike existing platforms, the new app will enforce taximeter fares and aims to offer affordable and well-regulated services.
However, concerns are growing as ride-hailing services are crucial to Tunisia’s struggling public transport system, with 54% of citizens relying on them weekly. Critics argue the crackdown lacks legal backing and could set a dangerous precedent for market competition.
Read the full news here: Technext