Harare :The Government of Zimbabwe has officially granted e-hailing operators a five month regulatory reprieve, temporarily freezing enforcement measures and crackdowns against drivers, in a decision announced following a post-Cabinet briefing on 8 September 2026.
The moratorium comes after weeks of parliamentary deliberation and an escalating dispute between digital taxi operators and municipal authorities, most notably the City of Harare, which had previously launched crackdowns against e-hailing drivers despite admitting that no formal law specifically governs or bans e-hailing platforms.
Under the reprieve, ride-hailing platforms , including inDrive, Bolt, Tap n Go and GoFaster , can continue normal operations without fear of vehicle impoundments or arrests. The moratorium effectively shields drivers and operators from aggressive enforcement action by local authorities while government works towards a permanent regulatory framework for the sector.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona had earlier told Parliament that Cabinet had directed his ministry to explore ways of formally bringing e-hailing services into the country’s public transport regulatory framework amid growing concern over lost tax revenue and the absence of clear rules governing the fast-growing sector.
During the five-month pause, operators and drivers are required to begin registering for tax purposes with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), while also collaborating with government on a self-regulating framework focused on driver conduct and passenger safety. The move follows a self regulation proposal already submitted to government by the Zimbabwe E-hailing Association (ZEHA), which has been pushing for formal recognition of the sector amid rising enforcement pressure.
The reprieve is expected to ease tensions between local authorities, operators and drivers, buying government time to craft a lasting policy that balances revenue collection, passenger safety and the livelihoods of thousands of young Zimbabweans who depend on the app based ride-hailing service for income.
