Rudolf Gaiseb
Ride-hailing refers to a service where people can request and pay for transport through a mobile application, such as inDrive or Yango.
As of 2024, the global ride-hailing market was estimated at over US$190 billion in gross bookings, with an annual growth projection of around 8–10% in many regions.
This is according to the Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) November 2025 report titled ‘Mobility regulation: Enabling inclusive growth through regulation’.
Namibia’s communications consultant Albertina Kashuupulwa and Zambia’s Andrew Bemba say Namibia has an opportunity to shape a modern, inclusive and future-ready mobility sector through balanced regulation that supports innovation while protecting public interests.
The report explores the rapid evolution of the ride-hailing sector and the regulatory challenges emerging from its expansion.
It explores how countries across Europe, Latin America and Africa are responding to the rapid growth of digital ride-hailing platforms and emerging transport systems.
It further recommends regulatory models that encourage innovation while maintaining safety and accountability to deliver stronger economic and social outcomes.
“For Namibia, the findings arrive at a time when conversations around digital transformation, youth employment and urban mobility continue to gain momentum.
The report suggests that future-ready mobility regulation can support national development priorities by encouraging entrepreneurship, expanding access to transport services and improving integration between technology and governance systems,” the two stated in a joint article.
The experts pointed to the importance of collaboration between policymakers, regulators and mobility stakeholders in shaping sustainable transport ecosystems that respond to changing urban and economic realities.
As Namibia continues to modernise its economy and public services, the report positions balanced mobility regulation as an important consideration in building efficient, inclusive and digitally enabled transport systems for the future, they said.
Meanwhile, the report shows that digital ride-hailing platforms have significantly reshaped urban mobility over the past decade, providing new income opportunities and accessible transportation for millions and, through technology, enhancing efficiency and safety in the industry.
The growth is a result of the heightened consumer demand for affordable, convenient, safe, on-demand mobility options.
The report notes that the ride-hailing sector has become a significant work opportunity generator, particularly for young people in cities with high unemployment, and covers areas that were previously underserved.
Yango, a major platform in Africa, is reported to have nearly one million registered drivers and couriers across 13 African countries, providing livelihoods and income for youth who might otherwise lack stable income options.
“These are entrepreneurial opportunities – drivers effectively run their own micro-business – and many drivers value the flexibility and autonomy the platforms provide,” the report states.
Yango, with the likes of Uber, Bolt, DiDi, inDrive and others, has leveraged smartphones, GPS, and algorithms to match millions of riders and drivers in real time.
The report, however, indicates that in many countries, outdated and overly restrictive regulations are hindering the industry.
The findings also outline that the industry has formalised transport economies and enhanced safety features for women.
They benefit women and vulnerable groups by providing safer commuting options; over 50% among employed women who use ride-hailing frequently in Brazil and Mexico reported better access to work opportunity to ride-hailing services.
The reports outline that low friction regulations, which streamline licensing and use digital oversight, result in greater service availability, work opportunities and income creation, and innovation.
However, high-friction regulations such as strict quotas or taxi-style rules constrain market growth and consumer access.
It justifies that high-friction models often stem from legitimate concerns such as protecting consumers, ensuring fair competition for traditional taxis, or safeguarding labour standards.
“However, the evidence from many markets suggests that an overly restrictive approach tends to backfire and stifle the very public benefits that ride hailing can offer,” it reads.
The report underlines that most countries begin in a transitional phase as the key policy challenge is to evolve toward low-friction regulation rather than becoming locked into more restrictive, high-friction frameworks.
The report recommends viewing ride hailing companies not as adversaries to be restrained, but as stakeholders that can contribute to public goals when given the right incentives and oversight.
It further suggests the establishment for formal channels for dialogue; incorporate real-world data and outcomes into policy adjustments.
“The rise of digital platforms presents a chance to reimagine how people move and work in our cities. Regulators hold the key to unlocking this future.
By adopting the “low-friction” regulatory mindset – one that is pro-growth, tech-savvy, and inclusive – policymakers can turn ride-hailing into a pillar of prosperity and innovation in the 21st-century city,” it concludes.