Cabinet has approved a five-month moratorium for Zimbabwe’s e-hailing operators while the Government develops regulations for the rapidly growing transport sector.
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Read E-PaperThe temporary measures cover platforms including Bolt, InDrive, Tap & Go, GoFaster and KOSE.
During the transitional period, providers and drivers are expected to develop a self-regulatory framework addressing passenger safety and professional conduct.
E-hailing businesses must also begin registering with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, while operators already formally registered must secure the necessary tax registration.
The decision was announced following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Cabinet acknowledged that e-hailing platforms were providing affordable transport and employment, particularly for young people, but said regulatory uncertainty was affecting operations.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has been directed to develop comprehensive regulations after consulting operators and studying international practices.
El Niño raises drought concerns
Cabinet also warned that a “very strong El Niño” could result in below-normal rainfall during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
The national outlook covering October 2026 to March 2027 forecasts erratic rainfall, frequent dry spells and warmer-than-normal temperatures across Zimbabwe.
Below-normal to normal rainfall is expected between October and December, although some districts in Masvingo and Matabeleland South could receive near-normal rainfall in December.
Reduced rainfall is also forecast for northern and eastern Zimbabwe between January and March 2027, while southern and western areas are expected to receive normal to below-normal rainfall.
Government ministries, development agencies and communities were directed to strengthen drought-contingency planning, water harvesting and conservation programmes.
Kariba disaster response approved
Cabinet adopted immediate measures to support communities affected by the Lake Kariba ferry disaster.
The programme includes humanitarian assistance, mental-health services, child protection, vocational training and the reconstruction of community infrastructure.
Government also plans to repair roads, replace the vessel, establish affordable ferry services and strengthen early-warning systems using weather stations, drones and modern communication equipment.
Water-safety, first-aid and disaster-preparedness training will be introduced in affected communities. Cabinet also called for the timely release of resources from the National Civil Protection Fund.
Government reports progress on priority projects
Cabinet said 191 of the 203 projects approved under the second 100-day cycle of 2026 were being implemented. Funding for the remaining 12 projects was reportedly at an advanced mobilisation stage, while 21 projects were ready for commissioning.
A separate review of licences, permits, fees and levies across priority economic sectors found that 291 approved reforms had been fully implemented.
The reviewed sectors included agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, transport, construction, broadcasting, telecommunications, energy, health and financial services.
