The Namibian government has issued a 56-day ultimatum to e-hailing operators Yango and inDrive to comply fully with national transport regulations, signalling a tougher stance on a sector that has expanded rapidly but remains only partially regulated.
The directive followed an urgent meeting in Windhoek between regulators, platform operators and drivers, convened by Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus and Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi.
Under the agreed timeline, operators have 28 days to meet compliance requirements, after which the two ministries will undertake a further 28-day verification process before enforcement action is considered.
Government said while it recognises the role of e-hailing platforms in improving access to transport and driving innovation, operators must adhere to the same legal framework governing public passenger transport.
“The service that you offer is important and has contributed to the transport sector, but it must operate within the law,” Theofelus said.
Operators raised concerns over delays in permit approvals, warning that backlogs are affecting drivers who rely on e-hailing as a primary source of income. They also called for a review of the current legal framework, arguing that existing road transport legislation does not adequately cater for digital platform-based services.
Nekundi, however, made it clear that compliance with existing laws is non-negotiable.
“Anyone who wants to operate in Namibia must comply with the laws of the Republic. If you do not want to comply, then you should not enter the market,” he said.
He emphasised that all public passenger transport services are subject to established legal requirements, including valid operating permits, roadworthy vehicles and properly licensed drivers.
“Before transporting passengers, operators must have the required permits, vehicles must meet regulatory standards, and drivers must hold a valid public driving permit and pass the necessary medical examinations,” Nekundi said.
The ministers acknowledged gaps in the current regulatory framework and said government would review outdated provisions to better accommodate evolving business models in the sector.
