Harare commuters and e-hailing drivers have received a reprieve after Cabinet approved a five-month moratorium on the regulation of ride-hailing services. The decision, announced on Tuesday, covers platforms such as Bolt, InDrive, Tap & Go, GoFaster, and KOSE, which have become a common sight in the capital and other urban centres.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube presented the report to Cabinet, highlighting the growing role of e-hailing in Zimbabwe’s transport system. He noted that these services provide convenient, affordable, and dignified transport while creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
However, the sector has faced regulatory challenges that affected the ease of doing business. Following consultations with industry players and regulators, Cabinet approved interim transitional measures, including the five-month moratorium. During this period, the government will work with operators and regulatory authorities to develop a self-regulatory framework aimed at strengthening passenger safety and clarifying operating guidelines.
What the Moratorium Means for Harare
For Harare residents who rely on e-hailing apps for daily travel, the moratorium means continuity of service without immediate disruption. Drivers who had expressed uncertainty over licensing and impending regulations can operate for the next five months while the government reviews the sector. The move is expected to ease tensions between local authorities, e-hailing operators, and drivers.
The moratorium also introduces tax obligations. E-hailing businesses will be required to register with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), and operators already registered must regularise their tax status. This is part of a push to bring the growing sector into the formal economy and clarify tax responsibilities for drivers and platforms.
Broader Regulatory Review
The e-hailing review falls under a wider government exercise to review licences, permits, levies, and fees across 13 priority sectors. The goal is to reduce the cost and complexity of doing business, improve public service delivery, and promote sustainable economic growth. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has been directed to develop specific regulations for e-hailing services, in consultation with stakeholders and drawing on international best practices.
Ncube emphasised that the regulations should promote safe, secure, convenient, and affordable transport services aligned with the National Development Strategy 2. The five-month window will allow authorities to address issues such as passenger safety, driver regulation, and platform operation before permanent rules are introduced.
As Harare continues to grapple with public transport challenges, the e-hailing sector has emerged as a vital alternative, especially for trips where conventional kombis or buses are inconvenient. The moratorium offers temporary stability while the government crafts a long-term framework that balances innovation, safety, and formalisation.