How Zimbabwe’s new e-hailing rules could hit drivers’ pockets

Drivers working for Bolt, inDrive and other ride-hailing platforms in Zimbabwe could face additional expenses if the government’s proposed regulations become law, with new permits, certificates, vehicle licensing and tax compliance among the requirements.

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development published the draft Road Motor Transportation (E-hailing Services) Regulations on 11 November 2026, inviting public and industry feedback before their proposed finalisation by 31 December.

New permits and certificates could add to costs

Under the proposals, drivers would need a special e-hailing permit, a valid driving licence held for at least five years, a defensive driving certificate and a medical fitness certificate.

However, the draft does not specify how much drivers would pay for the e-hailing permit.

Its proposed fee schedule leaves the application and renewal charges blank, meaning motorists cannot yet calculate the full cost of obtaining authorisation.

Drivers may also need to budget for defensive driving training and medical assessments.

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) provides defensive driving courses, although its current applicable fee should be confirmed directly with the organisation.

e-hailing in zim: Vehicle owners face additional charges

The proposed requirements could also increase expenses for people who own vehicles used for e-hailing.

Each vehicle would need an operator’s licence endorsed for e-hailing, a valid certificate of fitness, appropriate insurance and an identification disc displayed on the windscreen.

The draft proposes a US$20 (approximately R338.40) fee for endorsing an operator’s licence for each vehicle. However, the annual identification disc fee has not been specified.

Owners would also need to maintain valid tax clearance certificates and meet the applicable vehicle licensing and insurance requirements.

Existing US$35 taxi tax adds to the calculation

There is also an existing tax obligation that e-hailing vehicle operators should consider.

According to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s (ZIMRA) Public Notice 51 of 2025, operators of taxicabs carrying no more than seven passengers are liable for presumptive tax of US$35 (approximately R592.20) per vehicle monthly.

The proposed regulations require e-hailing vehicle operators to maintain tax compliance, meaning this existing obligation could form part of their operating expenses.

Additionally, the draft proposes a ZINARA road-user charge for every completed e-hailing trip. However, the amount has not yet been determined.

How much will e-hailing drivers eventually pay?

Although the draft identifies some charges, it does not provide enough information to calculate the total compliance cost.

The e-hailing permit, identification disc and per-trip road-user charge remain unpriced in the proposed schedules.

Drivers will therefore have to wait for the final regulations before determining the full financial implications.

The government is still inviting submissions, meaning the proposed fees and requirements could change before implementation.