By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Zimbabwe’s e-hailing transport sector has been granted a five-month regulatory reprieve as Government reviews existing requirements that operators say are creating barriers to doing business.
Cabinet on Tuesday approved interim transitional measures providing a five-month moratorium while authorities undertake a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework governing e-hailing services.
The review will cover major platforms operating in Zimbabwe, including Bolt, inDrive, and Tap & Go.
Cabinet acknowledged that e-hailing services had become an important source of affordable and convenient transport, as well as employment for thousands of young people, but noted that regulatory challenges were affecting the ease of doing business in the sector.
The moratorium is expected to provide Government, regulators and industry players with time to develop a regulatory framework that reflects the rapid growth of e-hailing services.
Among the measures under consideration is a self-regulating framework covering e-hailing platforms, operators and drivers, while maintaining safeguards for passenger safety.
Government will also begin registering e-hailing businesses with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), with operators already registered required to apply for tax registration.
Cabinet further directed the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to develop dedicated regulations for e-hailing services following consultations with industry stakeholders and consideration of international best practices.
The proposed regulations are expected to strike a balance between Government oversight and the need to provide safe, secure, convenient and affordable transport services.
The five-month transition gives authorities time to address regulatory gaps in an industry that has rapidly emerged as an important alternative to conventional taxis and public transport in Zimbabwe.
