During the meeting, the ministers emphasized the importance of compliance with existing laws, with government stating that regulatory adherence must prioritize the interests of citizens and the country’s broader transport framework.
The Government of Namibia has directed e-hailing operators to comply with road transport regulations within a 56-day period following an urgent meeting between key government officials and industry stakeholders. The engagement was led by the Emma Theofelus alongside the Veikko Nekundi, and focused on ensuring that operators meet legal requirements governing the sector.
During the meeting, the ministers emphasized the importance of compliance with existing laws, with government stating that regulatory adherence must prioritize the interests of citizens and the country’s broader transport framework. Authorities also urged drivers to obtain temporary permits as they await full approval, reinforcing the need to operate within legal boundaries.
E-hailing operators, however, raised concerns about delays in the permit application process, noting that the backlog is negatively affecting drivers who rely on the platform for their livelihoods. They called for a review of both the application system and the current road transport laws, which they described as outdated and in need of reform to reflect the evolving digital transport ecosystem.
Following the discussions, a resolution was reached requiring platforms to ensure full compliance of their drivers within 28 days. This will be followed by an additional 28-day verification period by the two ministries to assess adherence before any enforcement or corrective measures are implemented.
The government also committed to reviewing and updating relevant legislation to better accommodate the e-hailing sector, signaling a move toward balancing regulation with the growth of digital transport services while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
