Cross-border payment platform dLocal partnered with European shared mobility platform Bolt to expand ridesharing services across emerging markets with local payment solutions. The collaboration is designed to help Bolt navigate the complexities of entering new markets where alternative payment methods are essential.
In the ride-sharing industry, entering new markets often involves repeated and costly integrations with fragmented payment systems. According to the announcement, in emerging markets where over half of digital transactions occur outside of traditional card networks, supporting a wide range of alternative payment methods (APMs) is critical for both customer acquisition and driver operations.
A single API for regional expansion
By integrating with dLocal’s single API, Bolt aims to reduce operational overhead and complexity while expanding its payment coverage across multiple regions. The partnership is already active in key markets, with Bolt processing payments locally in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, as well as in Paraguay and Mexico. Payment methods supported include cards and local APMs such as Infonet. The collaboration also covers Bolt’s presence in Thailand and Malaysia, with local methods like Touch ’n Go.
The partnership focuses on making market expansion more efficient and operations more reliable for Bolt. For riders, this means access to secure, local ways to pay, and for drivers, it provides quick and convenient wallet top-ups.
“At Bolt, we are committed to making urban mobility more accessible and affordable,” said Jüri Laur, director of product, commerce at Bolt. “dLocal allows us to integrate once and expand into new markets with the right payment mix. This keeps riders moving and ensures drivers can easily top up their balances, which is essential to keeping our platform running.”
Tapping into high-growth mobility markets
The ride-sharing industry is projected to see significant growth in the regions targeted by the partnership. The announcement cited figures expecting the industry to reach a value of $3.16billion in Africa and $26.02billion in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030, making scalable and localised payment solutions a critical component for growth.
“Bolt operates in some of the most dynamic mobility markets in the world, where cost efficiency and reliability are critical,” said Diego Halegua, head of account management at dLocal. “Through our API and ongoing operational support, Bolt can activate new corridors quickly, manage costs, and provide users with the payment experiences they deserve.”
dLocal’s platform, known as the “One dLocal” concept, connects global merchants with consumers in emerging markets across APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa through a single API and contract. Bolt, a European mobility super-app, has more than 150 million customers in over 45 countries.
The post dLocal Partners with Bolt to Power Mobility Expansion Across Emerging Markets appeared first on The Fintech Times.
