Government officials say Namibia is still relying on transport laws dating back to the 1970s to regulate the sector, with new regulations aimed at accommodating e-hailing services having been under development for the past three years.
The issue came under renewed scrutiny during SanlamAllianz Brief Session, where government officials, e-hailing operators and drivers agreed that outdated legislation and lengthy administrative processes are slowing compliance as app-based transport services continue to expand.
Speaking during the discussion, held under the theme “Apps vs Taxis: Who Really Owns Namibia’s Roads?”, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Works and Transport Damien Mabengano said government is not opposed to e-hailing services but expects all operators to comply with the same regulatory standards.
“Government is there to provide services to everyone. There must be rules that are fair to everyone, and traditional taxis have complied for many years. E-hailing services also need to fall in line,” he said.
Mabengano said the ministry has spent the past three years developing new transport regulations to address gaps affecting both traditional taxi operators and e-hailing platforms, including customer service standards, driver identification and employment conditions.
He said the current legislative framework is no longer fit for purpose because it predates digital transport platforms.
“Namibia’s regulations have fallen behind because the laws originate from the 1970s, when e-hailing services did not exist. The current transport legislation only regulates those operating on the roads,” he said.
Mabengano added that lengthy permit approval processes remain a significant challenge, with gazetting requirements and multiple administrative procedures delaying operators’ efforts to comply with existing regulations.
Yango Namibia Country Manager Alex Mungai said the company supports regulation and has invested heavily in helping drivers meet legal requirements, although the approval process remains slow.
“Compliance is a process, and we have begun that process. It takes months to obtain approval,” he said.
According to Mungai, Yango has assisted about 2,000 drivers with compliance and regularly updates authorities on its progress.
He said the regulatory framework should evolve alongside technology, arguing that digital platforms already incorporate safety and accountability mechanisms such as driver verification, passenger ratings and in-app security features.
“Laws need to accommodate technology and innovation. Driver ratings are a form of regulation within the app, while other built-in features protect both passengers and drivers,” he said.
Mungai also called for the digitalisation of permit applications and improved coordination between the government institutions responsible for transport regulation.
LEFA co-founder Kalipi Josef Aluvilu said regulators often struggle to keep pace with technological innovation and urged policymakers to develop frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting consumers.
“Regulation is slow to follow innovation,” he said.
Aluvilu said customer feedback and rating systems provide an additional layer of accountability for e-hailing operators and argued that consumers should be free to choose the transport service that best suits their needs.
He also identified lengthy permit approval processes as one of the biggest obstacles facing operators seeking to comply with existing laws.
Representing e-hailing drivers, Germanus Kondjeni said the growing popularity of app-based transport services reflects consumer demand for convenience, accessibility and safety.
“There is space for all transport operators to exist based on the convenience and timing required by consumers,” he said.
Kondjeni said drivers are willing to comply with regulations but called on authorities to accelerate licensing and permit approvals. He also urged greater professionalism and mutual respect between drivers and passengers.
The discussion concluded with broad agreement that Namibia’s transport sector requires updated legislation, more efficient regulatory processes and stronger collaboration between government, traditional taxi operators and e-hailing platforms as digital mobility continues to reshape the industry.
