E Hailing Services Get 5 Month Moratorium as Government Moves to Regulate Industry
Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
The Government has approved a five-month moratorium on new regulations governing e-hailing services as it moves to establish a permanent regulatory framework for the rapidly growing sector.
Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana, in a post on X, said the Government recognised the benefits that e-hailing platforms such as Bolt and InDrive were providing to commuters and young people seeking employment.
“The Government recognises that e-hailing apps (like Bolt, In-Drive and others) are giving people cheaper, easier rides and creating jobs for young people,” Mangwana said.
He said the decision to introduce the moratorium followed challenges affecting the operation and management of e-hailing companies.
“However, there have been problems with how these companies are managed, making it hard for them to operate smoothly,” he said.
Under the five-month moratorium, e-hailing companies and drivers will be expected to begin developing their own safety rules as part of efforts to improve standards within the sector.
Mangwana said the Government had also directed that e-hailing businesses register for tax with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
The moratorium is intended to give authorities time to review the sector and develop permanent regulations.
At the end of the five-month period, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will be responsible for developing the new regulatory framework, with the process expected to draw on international best practices.
According to Mangwana, there Government’s ultimate objective is to ensure that e-hailing services remain safe, affordable and reliable for commuters.
The development comes as e-hailing platforms continue to provide an alternative to conventional transport services in Zimbabwe, while creating income opportunities for drivers.
The Government’s review will therefore seek to balance the benefits of the sector with the need for clearer rules governing its operations, taxation and passenger safety.
