Ride-hailing platform Yango has increased fares in Namibia by 5% as part of efforts to help drivers cover the costs of complying with new transport regulations.
The company said the adjustment is aimed at easing the financial pressure on drivers required to secure permits and supporting documentation under the current compliance process.
Yango’s newly appointed Country Manager for Namibia and parts of Africa, Alex Mungai, said the increase was introduced in March after Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi granted unregistered e-hailing operators a 56-day compliance period to obtain public passenger permits or risk having their vehicles impounded.
Mungai said the fare increase forms part of a broader package of measures introduced to support drivers during the transition period.
“Besides this, we have also increased fares to help drivers cover some of the costs associated with compliance. We recently implemented a 5% fare increase specifically for this purpose, as part of efforts to encourage drivers to become compliant,” he said.
In addition to the fare increase, Yango has temporarily waived commission fees for drivers who have already completed the compliance process. The move allows compliant drivers to retain their full trip earnings for a limited period, helping them recover some of the costs incurred.
Mungai said the company has also covered the N$850 cost of temporary permits for drivers using its platform, noting that the fee places a heavy burden on many operators.
He added that many drivers work across multiple ride-hailing platforms, meaning the support provided by Yango also benefits their operations elsewhere.
“The cost is significant for drivers, and we understand that, from an economic perspective, it can be difficult for them to absorb. As a result, Yango has offered to cover the cost of these applications for drivers on our platform. It is also worth noting that many drivers on our platform operate on other ride-hailing platforms as well and are not exclusive to us. This means that while we are covering these fees, the benefits extend to their work across other platforms too,” Mungai said.
Yango has also expanded its internal compliance support by deploying an additional 25 agents to assist drivers with document collection, permit applications and submissions to the Roads Authority.
According to the company, more than 1,400 driver applications have been processed so far, with over 1,200 already submitted to authorities.
Mungai said although the response from drivers has been positive, the process continues to face delays linked to centralised roadworthy inspections and the issuing of police certificates of conduct.
He said the company remains committed to working with authorities and drivers to ensure compliance while protecting the livelihoods of those dependent on ride-hailing services.
“So far, 414 applications have been approved by the Roads Authority. Credit must be given to the board and its dedicated team, who have been working specifically on this process. They have also been working overtime, including during public holidays and weekends, to assist with the applications. Their efforts, together with those of the police in processing certificates of conduct, have been important in moving the process forward,” Mungai said.
