The government has applauded the rapid growth of digital ride-hailing services in Zimbabwe, noting that platforms such as Tap & Go, Bolt, InDrive, GoFaster and KOSE are providing the public with transport that is convenient, affordable and more dignified. At the same time, the sector has created significant employment opportunities, particularly for young people. The remarks followed Cabinet deliberations on a review of the e-hailing transport sub-sector, which has expanded quickly but has also faced regulatory challenges that threaten the ease of doing business.
In response, Cabinet has approved interim transitional measures, including a five-month moratorium to allow an orderly review and reform of the industry. During this period, stakeholders will work toward three key objectives. First, e-hailing providers, operators and drivers will develop a self-regulating framework to guide conduct in the sector, with particular emphasis on passenger safety and service standards. Second, the process of business formalisation will be advanced, with e-hailing companies required to register with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, while operators who are already registered will be expected to apply for tax registration. Third, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has been directed to develop comprehensive e-hailing regulations informed by stakeholder consultations and international best practices.
Cabinet stated that the overall aim of these interventions is to ensure that transport services remain safe, secure, convenient and affordable, in line with the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Government acknowledged that while e-hailing has delivered clear benefits to commuters and created jobs, the absence of clear rules has undermined regulatory certainty. The moratorium therefore provides space for authorities and industry players to close those gaps without disrupting services to the public.
Government also said the new licences, permits, levies and fees approved by Cabinet are being praised locally and internationally. It promised to quickly fix any problems with implementation so that efforts to make it easier to do business are not affected.
For riders and drivers, the immediate effect is that e-hailing operations will continue uninterrupted over the next five months as the new framework is finalized. Once the moratorium ends, operators and drivers will be expected to comply with the self-regulation guidelines, tax obligations and the new regulations once they are gazetted. The decision reflects the Government’s commitment to embrace digital innovation in public transport while strengthening accountability, safety and the formalization of the sector.
