LOCAL ZIMBABWE NEWS | TRANSPORT & REGULATIONS Zimbabwe’s Proposed inDrive and Bolt Rules Could Lock Out Tho...
Zimbabwe’s Proposed inDrive and Bolt Rules Could Lock Out Thousands of Drivers as Government Demands 5-Year Licences, Daily Face Scans and New Fees
Written By: Timothy Ndoro
Published: November 11, 2026 | 8 min read
Thousands of Zimbabweans who earn a living through inDrive, Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms could face new barriers to working if the Government adopts proposed regulations requiring five years of driving experience, Zimbabwean citizenship, special permits, vehicle inspections and even daily facial verification.
Zimbabwe’s Government is proposing sweeping new regulations for e-hailing services such as inDrive, Bolt and Tap & Go, potentially changing the way ride-hailing companies operate and who qualifies to work as a driver. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has published draft regulations that would introduce new registration and accreditation requirements for e-hailing platforms, alongside stricter conditions for drivers, vehicle owners and passengers.
Among the most significant proposals is a requirement that drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid driving licence for at least five years, possess a defensive driving certificate and provide proof of medical fitness. They would also need to be Zimbabwean citizens and obtain a special e-hailing driver permit. The proposals go considerably further. Vehicles could be restricted to a maximum age of 10 years, drivers could be required to scan their faces before going online every day, and a ZINARA road-user charge could be deducted from every trip. Passengers may also face additional identity checks, while companies could be required to retain trip information for six years and maintain a copy of that data on servers located in Zimbabwe.
Important: These Are Draft Proposals
The requirements discussed in this article are contained in proposed regulations. They should not be treated as rules that have already come into force. The draft is subject to consultation and contains provisions and figures that may still change before any final regulations are adopted.
How Zimbabwe's Ride-Hailing Industry Reached This Point
Ride-hailing is not entirely new in Zimbabwe. Local services such as Hwindi and Vaya helped introduce app-based transport services before international platforms expanded their presence.
The arrival of international companies brought a new dimension to the sector, particularly through mobile applications that connect passengers with drivers and allow people to arrange journeys without having to negotiate transport in the traditional way.
The rapid expansion of these services created new income opportunities for drivers and additional transport options for passengers. However, the industry grew amid questions about licensing, local authority oversight, taxation and the legal status of e-hailing operations.
Unlike conventional taxi operators, many e-hailing drivers use privately owned vehicles and rely on digital platforms to connect with customers. This has created a regulatory challenge for authorities attempting to apply existing transport laws to a rapidly changing business model.
The debate over how e-hailing services should be regulated became more visible in August 2026 when Harare City Council intensified its enforcement activities against some drivers.
Reports emerged of e-hailing drivers being stopped, fined and arrested during municipal police operations. Some drivers alleged that municipal officers had posed as passengers before taking enforcement action against them.
The incidents raised questions about whether existing local authority licensing requirements could be applied to drivers working through digital ride-hailing platforms.
The developments highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the industry's regulatory position. Drivers wanted clarity on which authorities had the power to regulate their work, what permits they needed and whether local council requirements could be imposed separately from national transport rules.
On September 8, 2026, Cabinet gave the e-hailing sector a five-month transition period and directed the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to prepare regulations for the industry.
The proposed framework is intended to establish a more formal system covering the companies operating the applications, the drivers using them, the vehicles carrying passengers and the people booking journeys.
The draft is now the basis for discussion about the future of Zimbabwe's e-hailing industry. Its provisions could have far-reaching consequences if they are adopted in their current form.
1. inDrive, Bolt and Other Platforms Could Need Government Accreditation
The proposed regulations place new obligations on companies providing e-hailing services in Zimbabwe. Instead of operating solely through their digital platforms, companies would be expected to meet formal registration and accreditation requirements.
This would mean that platforms such as inDrive and Bolt could have to demonstrate that they are properly recognised by the Government and have the necessary local arrangements in place.
Proposed Requirements for E-Hailing Companies
All e-hailing platforms operating in Zimbabwe would be required to obtain Government accreditation. This would create a formal approval process for companies providing app-based transport services.
Foreign-owned e-hailing platforms would have to register locally, bringing their operations within the country's formal regulatory and administrative framework.
Foreign platforms would be expected to appoint a representative in Zimbabwe or maintain an appropriate local presence through which Government authorities can communicate with the company.
The draft includes a requirement for an office in Zimbabwe, either operated directly by the platform or through a local representative. This could require companies to establish or formalise local operations.
Government accreditation would be valid for three years before renewal is required. Companies would therefore have to keep their approval status current to continue operating under the proposed framework.
These proposals could have significant implications for international companies such as inDrive and Bolt. They would need to ensure that their local business arrangements satisfy the Government's proposed regulatory framework.
The draft also proposes restrictions on advertising e-hailing platforms that have not received the required accreditation.
If adopted, the provision could affect not only the companies themselves but also businesses and individuals involved in promoting their services.
The proposed restrictions are part of a wider effort to bring e-hailing companies under Government supervision and establish clear responsibilities for operators.
2. Five-Year Licence Requirement Could Lock Out Thousands of Drivers
One of the most consequential parts of the proposals concerns the people who want to earn money by transporting passengers through e-hailing applications.
Under the draft, drivers would have to satisfy a series of conditions before qualifying for an e-hailing permit. The requirements are considerably more specific than simply holding an ordinary driving licence and having access to a suitable vehicle.
Proposed Driver Eligibility Conditions
Anyone seeking to work as an e-hailing driver would need to be at least 21 years old. This could prevent younger motorists from qualifying even if they already hold a valid driving licence and own a suitable vehicle.
Applicants would have to demonstrate that they have held a valid driving licence for at least five years. This is one of the most significant proposed conditions because it could exclude motorists who obtained their licences more recently.
Drivers would need to possess a defensive driving certificate. This requirement is intended to demonstrate additional training in safe driving practices and the handling of potential road hazards.
Applicants would be required to provide a medical fitness certificate demonstrating that they are medically fit to carry passengers. This would introduce an additional documentation requirement for people seeking to work in the industry.
Drivers would need to be Zimbabwean citizens and obtain a specific e-hailing driver permit. This could become a major eligibility barrier for foreign nationals currently working through ride-hailing platforms.
These conditions would determine who qualifies to provide e-hailing services if the proposals are adopted. They could affect people who already work for inDrive, Bolt and other applications, as well as motorists hoping to enter the industry.
The five-year licence requirement could prove particularly difficult for younger motorists and people who recently obtained their driving licences.
Some drivers may already own vehicles, have established passenger networks and earn regular income through ride-hailing applications. However, under the proposed conditions, those factors may not be enough if they cannot demonstrate the required licence history.
The final regulations will need to clarify how existing drivers will be treated, whether any transitional arrangements will apply and what documentation will be accepted as proof of eligibility.
The requirement for a special e-hailing driver permit is another important change. Under the proposal, an ordinary driving licence alone would not be sufficient to qualify someone to provide app-based passenger transport.
Drivers would have to meet the prescribed eligibility requirements and obtain the additional permit before operating as e-hailing service providers.
3. Vehicles Could Be Limited to a Maximum Age of 10 Years
The proposed framework does not focus only on drivers. It also introduces conditions for vehicles used to provide e-hailing services.
One of the notable proposals is that vehicles used for e-hailing would not be allowed to be more than 10 years old. If adopted, this could force some vehicle owners to reconsider their participation in the industry.
Proposed Vehicle Requirements
Cars used to provide e-hailing services could not be more than 10 years old. This could affect drivers who depend on older vehicles to generate income.
Vehicles would need appropriate insurance covering passengers. This would introduce a specific insurance compliance requirement for cars used to transport customers.
Vehicles would be required to display an e-hailing disc on the windscreen, making it easier to identify cars operating under the regulated system.
The draft proposes that every vehicle used for e-hailing should have the relevant ZIMRA tax clearance documentation, adding a tax-compliance requirement to vehicle eligibility.
For drivers who have invested in older vehicles specifically to work on platforms such as inDrive and Bolt, the proposed age limit could become a major financial consideration.
Some vehicle owners may have to replace their cars or leave the industry if their vehicles do not meet the final age requirement. The impact will depend on how the rule is ultimately defined and whether transitional arrangements are provided.
Vehicle age restrictions could have implications beyond the initial cost of purchasing a replacement car. Drivers may also have to consider insurance, tax clearance, maintenance and the cost of complying with any new vehicle identification requirements.
4. Drivers Could Be Required to Scan Their Faces Every Day
Another striking proposal involves biometric identity verification. Under the draft, drivers would be required to scan their faces before going online each day and repeat the verification at intervals of up to 12 hours.
The measure appears intended to ensure that the person registered with an e-hailing platform is the same individual actually carrying out the trips.
How the Proposed Facial Verification Would Work
Drivers would be required to complete a facial scan before starting their daily e-hailing work. This would help confirm that the registered driver is the person accessing the platform.
The proposed system would require additional facial verification at intervals of up to 12 hours, rather than relying exclusively on a single check at the beginning of the day.
Facial verification could make it more difficult for drivers to share accounts or allow another person to operate under their profiles without proper authorisation.
For drivers, the requirement could introduce an additional daily compliance step. It may also affect people who work irregular hours, change devices or experience difficulties completing biometric checks.
The proposed facial verification system also raises questions about how biometric information would be collected, stored, protected and accessed.
Facial data is particularly sensitive because it is linked directly to an individual's identity. Drivers and platform operators may want clarity on which organisations would process the information, how long it would be retained and what safeguards would prevent misuse.
5. Passengers May Have to Provide ID Details for Night and Cash Trips
The proposed regulations would also introduce new registration and identification obligations for passengers using e-hailing applications.
Passengers would be expected to register using their full names and verified mobile phone numbers. The draft also states that children under the age of 18 would not be allowed to create their own accounts.
Proposed Passenger Registration Conditions
Passengers would have to register using their full names rather than relying on incomplete or informal account details.
A verified mobile phone number would be required for passenger registration, providing an additional means of identifying and contacting users.
Children under 18 would not be allowed to register their own independent e-hailing accounts under the proposed framework.
Additional identification details would be required for certain journeys, particularly those involving cash payments or travel during late-night and early-morning hours.
These measures could change the booking experience for passengers who currently use e-hailing applications with minimal registration requirements.
They could also create additional questions about how identity documents are verified, how passenger information is protected and how people without readily available identity documents would be treated.
6. Emergency Buttons, Real-Time Tracking and 24-Hour Safety Centres
Passenger safety is another major focus of the proposed framework. E-hailing companies would be expected to introduce systems that allow passengers and authorities to respond more effectively to emergencies.
The requirements would place additional responsibilities on the companies operating the applications, rather than leaving safety arrangements entirely to individual drivers and passengers.
Proposed Safety and Security Measures
Applications would need to provide passengers with an emergency button or feature that can be used when a passenger experiences a safety incident during a journey.
Platforms would have to provide real-time trip tracking, allowing journeys to be monitored while they are taking place.
Companies would be expected to operate safety response centres around the clock, ensuring that emergency reports can be handled at any time of the day or night.
Platforms would be required to verify the identities of drivers using their services, strengthening accountability and reducing the possibility of unauthorised account use.
If implemented effectively, these requirements could strengthen passenger protection and improve accountability when incidents occur during trips.
However, the effectiveness of the proposed measures would depend on how quickly companies respond to emergencies, whether tracking systems remain operational and how safety complaints are investigated.
7. ZINARA Charges, an 18% Commission Cap and New Payment Rules
The draft contains several financial provisions that could reshape the relationship between e-hailing companies and their drivers.
One proposal is that a ZINARA road-user charge would be deducted from every e-hailing trip. This could introduce an additional cost into the way ride-hailing services are priced and operated.
The precise financial impact would depend on the final rate, how the charge is calculated and which party is responsible for collecting and remitting it.
The draft proposes limiting the commission charged by e-hailing platforms to 18%. If adopted, this would place a ceiling on the proportion of a fare that a platform could retain as commission.
The proposal could have implications for companies such as inDrive and Bolt, which rely on commission arrangements to generate revenue from trips completed through their applications.
The proposed cap is not necessarily a guarantee that drivers will earn more from every trip. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, vehicle financing and any applicable trip charges would continue to affect their actual earnings.
The proposal also raises questions about whether platforms would be able to introduce other service charges and how such charges would be treated under the final regulations.
The proposed regulations would also place restrictions on surge pricing. Under the draft, surge fares would be limited to twice the normal fare.
Surge pricing is commonly used by ride-hailing platforms when passenger demand rises or the availability of drivers becomes limited. It can increase the cost of a journey during busy periods, adverse weather or major public events.
If adopted, the provision could affect how platforms calculate fares during periods of high demand and how drivers are compensated when prices increase.
Another financial provision in the draft concerns the payment of drivers. The proposed framework requires e-hailing companies to pay drivers within seven days.
This could introduce a clearer payment timeframe and provide drivers with greater certainty about when money earned through completed trips should reach them.
8. E-Hailing Companies Could Have to Store Trip Data for Six Years
Another major component of the proposed regulations concerns passenger and trip information. Platforms would be required to retain trip data, including journey routes, for six years.
The draft also proposes that a copy of the information be stored on servers located in Zimbabwe. This would introduce additional data storage obligations for companies operating e-hailing applications.
Proposed Data Storage Requirements
Platforms would have to retain information relating to journeys completed through their applications, including trip details and routes.
The proposed framework would require companies to keep relevant trip records for six years, creating a long-term data retention obligation.
A copy of the relevant information would have to be maintained on servers located in Zimbabwe, adding a local data storage requirement for e-hailing operators.
These provisions could have significant implications for privacy, data security and the responsibilities of companies operating e-hailing services.
The draft further provides for access to certain e-hailing information by a police officer of Inspector rank or above in an emergency, without a warrant.
This provision could become particularly significant where authorities need information about a passenger, driver, route or journey during an emergency investigation.
The provisions raise important questions about how the Government intends to balance public safety and law enforcement needs with the privacy rights of passengers and drivers.
How these requirements will interact with applicable data protection obligations, and what safeguards will govern access to passenger information, are important issues that may need further clarification.
9. Local Councils Could Face Restrictions on Their Own E-Hailing Licensing Demands
The draft also addresses the relationship between national regulation and local authorities.
Among the proposals is a provision that councils would not be able to demand their own separate licence from e-hailing operators in the manner contemplated by the draft.
This is particularly relevant in Harare, where the enforcement of municipal requirements against e-hailing drivers has already attracted attention.
The proposal could help establish a clearer national approach to regulating the sector and reduce uncertainty about which authority is responsible for particular licensing and enforcement requirements.
10. How Zimbabwe's Proposed Rules Compare With Other African Markets
Zimbabwe is not the only African country grappling with how to regulate app-based transport services. South Africa has taken a different legislative approach by amending its transport laws to address e-hailing operations.
South Africa's National Land Transport Amendment Act introduced a framework requiring e-hailing drivers to obtain operating licences. The process took years to develop and reflected the difficulties involved in adapting conventional transport laws to app-based services.
The proposed 18% commission cap in Zimbabwe also has a regional comparison. Kenya introduced an 18% commission limit for ride-hailing platforms in 2022.
However, the Kenyan framework later faced legal challenges. The country's High Court declared key parts of the rules unconstitutional and blocked the commission cap after Bolt challenged the provisions.
The comparison does not mean Zimbabwe's proposed regulations will face the same legal outcome. However, it demonstrates that commission controls can become a significant point of disagreement between governments and international ride-hailing companies.
11. Government Invites Public Comments on the Draft Regulations
The Ministry has invited comments on the proposed regulations, giving people and organisations affected by the changes an opportunity to raise concerns and make recommendations.
This is an important stage because the draft contains several provisions that could significantly affect the way Zimbabwe's e-hailing industry operates.
Drivers may want to raise questions about the five-year licence requirement, citizenship condition, vehicle age limit and special permit arrangements. Passengers may be concerned about identity verification, data retention and the information they would have to provide when booking trips.
E-hailing companies may wish to comment on accreditation, local representation, server requirements, commission limits, surge pricing and payment obligations.
Published Consultation Contact Addresses
jnhau@motid.gov.zw
kingstonmagaya@gmail.com
pedzie@yahoo.com
No consultation deadline has been specified in the information provided here. Interested parties should confirm the submission deadline and any required format directly with the Ministry before sending their comments.
One important detail is that several figures and provisions in the draft remain in square brackets. This suggests that some aspects of the proposed framework are still open to revision.
The consultation process could therefore influence the final wording, the financial obligations imposed on platforms and the practical requirements that drivers and passengers would have to meet.
The Biggest Proposed Changes to Zimbabwe's E-Hailing Industry
The proposed regulations could transform how inDrive, Bolt, Tap & Go and other e-hailing services operate in Zimbabwe. The most significant changes concern driver eligibility, vehicle standards, passenger identification, company accreditation, trip charges and data protection.
Here is a consolidated breakdown of the major provisions contained in the draft.
Could Zimbabwe's New E-Hailing Rules Change the Industry Forever?
Zimbabwe's proposed e-hailing regulations could mark a major turning point for an industry that has created income opportunities for thousands of drivers while giving passengers more transport choices.
For drivers, the five-year licence requirement, citizenship condition, special permits, vehicle age limit and daily facial verification could create significant hurdles. Some motorists who currently depend on inDrive and Bolt for their livelihoods may find that they no longer qualify if the proposals are adopted without changes.
Vehicle owners could also face difficult decisions if their cars exceed the proposed 10-year age limit. Replacing a vehicle, obtaining passenger insurance and maintaining the required tax documentation could add to the cost of operating an e-hailing service.
For passengers, identity checks and new registration requirements could change how they book rides, especially when paying cash or travelling at night. The proposed six-year data retention requirement also raises questions about privacy and how personal information will be protected.
For companies such as inDrive and Bolt, accreditation, local representation, data storage obligations and financial controls could bring additional compliance costs and operational responsibilities.
Supporters of tighter regulation may argue that the proposals will improve safety, accountability and tax compliance. However, the practical impact on drivers' livelihoods, passenger convenience and competition in the sector will depend on how the final rules are designed and implemented.
The proposed 18% commission cap and seven-day payment requirement could benefit drivers in some respects, but the additional trip charges and compliance costs may also affect the economics of the industry.
For now, the most important point is that the proposals are still under consideration. Zimbabwe's e-hailing industry is waiting to see which requirements will survive the consultation process and become law.
The Biggest Question
Will the Government adopt the proposed conditions in their current form, or will concerns raised by drivers, passengers and e-hailing companies lead to changes before the regulations become law?
Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe's Proposed inDrive and Bolt Rules
No. The requirements discussed are draft proposals. They should not be treated as regulations already in force until the Government completes the relevant process and adopts the final rules.
The draft proposes that e-hailing drivers must have held a valid driving licence for at least five years. This requirement could affect drivers if it is adopted in its current form.
The draft proposes that e-hailing drivers must be Zimbabwean citizens. The final position will depend on the wording of the regulations ultimately adopted.
The draft proposes that vehicles used for e-hailing services must not be more than 10 years old.
Yes. The draft proposes facial verification before drivers go online each day, with further checks at intervals of up to 12 hours.
The proposals require ID or passport details for cash bookings and trips taking place between 9pm and 5am.
The draft proposes a maximum commission of 18%. This is a proposed limit and should not be confused with an already implemented fee cap.
The draft proposes that a ZINARA road-user charge be deducted from every trip. The final rate and collection arrangements would depend on the regulations ultimately adopted.
The draft proposes that trip data, including routes, be retained for six years, with a copy stored on servers in Zimbabwe.
The draft includes accreditation and local presence requirements for e-hailing platforms, including a physical office in Zimbabwe either operated directly or through a local representative.
The Ministry is working on the proposed framework following Cabinet's September 8, 2026 decision. The draft must go through the relevant consultation and finalisation process before the proposed provisions can be treated as binding regulations.
SEO Information
The content is provided by Gossip Maestro: Stars, Drama, Secrets and Hottest Scandals using online sources, anonymous tips, and public commentary. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the rumours, gossip, or related graphics contained on the website.
Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
