By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s proposed e-hailing regulations could saddle app-based transport operators with a costly web of licences, permits, insurance and compliance obligations, raising questions about the Government’s commitment to making it easier to do business.
The draft Road Motor Transportation (E-hailing Services) Regulations, 2026, published this week, seek to bring platforms such as Bolt, InDrive, Tap & Go, GoFaster and KOSE under a comprehensive regulatory framework.
However, the proposals could fundamentally alter the economics of an industry that has created income opportunities for thousands of drivers, particularly young people.
Transport Minister Felix Mhona previously acknowledged that the government was losing revenue from the largely unregulated sector, telling Parliament:
“Indeed, we are facing a significant loss of revenue, particularly because the current e-hailing platforms do not operate through established systems.
“These platforms are merely applications that can be downloaded on mobile devices, which complicates revenue collection,” he said.
The proposed framework goes considerably further than addressing tax compliance.
Platforms will need accreditation certificates, valid for three years, while foreign-owned companies must establish local representation and maintain physical offices in Zimbabwe.
Vehicle operators will require separate licences, with each vehicle subject to fitness certification, passenger liability insurance, GPS tracking and annual identification discs.
Drivers must be at least 21, have held a driving licence for five years and possess defensive driving qualifications.
The financial implications could prove particularly significant for small operators already battling fuel costs, vehicle maintenance and fluctuating passenger demand.
A proposed 18 percent ceiling on platform commissions offers some protection to drivers, but additional road user charges, insurance premiums and licensing expenses could eat into already narrow earnings.
Government also proposes collecting a per-trip road user charge through platforms, with the money remitted to ZINARA by the 10th of each month.
Operators would face tax-clearance requirements, monthly returns and other reporting obligations.
Although the draft does not introduce a new tax, the cumulative cost of compliance could ultimately be passed on to passengers through higher fares.
This would undermine one of e-hailing’s biggest selling points: affordable, convenient transport.
The proposals also raise concerns about the completeness and technical quality of the regulatory framework.
Several fees, insurance amounts and financial thresholds remain blank or bracketed, while some penalty provisions are missing. In addition, errors in cross-referencing require correction before the instrument is finalised
More fundamentally, the government needs to establish whether the Road Motor Transportation Act provides sufficient authority for all the proposed licensing requirements, particularly the accreditation of digital platforms.
The draft itself identifies this as a legal risk and suggests that an amendment Bill may be necessary.
There are, nevertheless, important safeguards worth supporting.
Mandatory passenger insurance, driver verification, emergency response centres, transparent fares and restrictions against off-app payments could improve accountability in an industry where passengers need reliable protection.
However, the proposed requirement for platforms to conduct daily facial verification, retain trip data for six years and maintain round-the-clock safety response centres will also demand considerable investment, particularly from smaller operators.
The draft further gives authorities powers to detain non-compliant vehicles for up to 30 days and provides for platform suspension in certain circumstances.
Such enforcement powers need clear safeguards, predictable procedures and fair opportunities for businesses to remedy breaches.
Cabinet approved a five-month regulatory moratorium in September, acknowledging that e-hailing services provide affordable transport and employment while recognising that regulatory gaps were affecting the ease of doing business.
The Ministry of Transport has invited stakeholders and members of the public to submit recommendations ahead of the regulations’ promulgation.
Government must therefore ensure that efforts to protect passengers and improve revenue collection do not inadvertently undermine investment, innovation and employment opportunities for young people.
Regulation should bring order to the e-hailing industry, not price drivers out of business or make affordable transport a luxury.
