Permit delays threaten the livelihood of E-hailing Drivers in Windhoek

Hundreds of ride-hailing drivers in Windhoek are at risk of losing months of income — not because they have broken any rules, but because the system meant to regulate them cannot keep up. E-hailing operators and drivers are sounding the alarm over a permitting backlog at the Road Transport Authority that is on the verge of stripping compliant drivers of their ability to earn a living. These drivers have submitted all required documentation, paid all required fees, and done everything asked of them. Yet many have waited up to 12 months for permit approvals, with no clear timeline, no transparent status updates, and in some cases, unexplained requests to reapply from scratch.

The financial toll is severe. While they wait, drivers are being forced to purchase temporary permits at N$850 per month and an ongoing cost with no guarantee of resolution — while simultaneously being unable to operate and generate the income those permits are meant to enable. For drivers who depend on this work to support their families, the backlog is not a bureaucratic inconvenience. It is a livelihood crisis. Growing Pressure at Processing Centres In recent days, a significant number of drivers have presented themselves at processing centres in response to the compliance deadline.

While this reflects strong willingness to comply, some drivers reported being unable to complete their applications after being asked to disperse, creating confusion and uncertainty among those attempting to regularise their status. Drivers and partners have expressed concern that this may discourage compliance at a time when urgency is highest. Industry on Compliance and Capacity All e-hailing companies, including the largest one, Yango Namibia, fully support a safe, well-regulated transport sector and remain committed to the May 2026 compliance deadline. However, effective compliance requires alignment between regulatory requirements and processing capacity.

Calls for Urgent Intervention Operators and partners are therefore calling for: Streamlined and scalable processing mechanisms Clear and transparent communication on application status Consideration of transitional measures to support drivers who have submitted documentation and are awaiting approval The current level of demand reflects a sector that is willing to comply. Supporting that momentum through efficient and predictable processes will be critical to ensuring both regulatory objectives and economic stability for drivers are achieved.