The Angolan government intends to regulate passenger transport carried out through digital platforms, a sector that currently operates with approximately 25,000 vehicles and no specific legal framework, according to the Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue.

A draft law authorising the President of the Republic to legislate on this activity was reviewed by the Council of Ministers, which resolved to submit it to the National Assembly.

Speaking to the press at the close of the ministerial meeting, Jorge Bengue said that digital ride-hailing services have recorded steady growth over the past eight years. Around six platforms are currently active in the country, with approximately 25,000 vehicles registered across them.

The official acknowledged the importance of the service for population mobility, but warned that the absence of regulation has encouraged informality and made enforcement of the sector significantly more difficult.

“This activity is carried out without any regulation, without any standards, without any rules,” Bengue said, adding that the sector currently makes no contribution to state tax revenue.

Bengue also highlighted discrepancies in fares charged to passengers for journeys of equivalent distance, attributing the inconsistency to the lack of rules governing how the service operates.

A further problem identified by the government relates to passenger safety. According to the Secretary of State, cases of crime and violence have been recorded, with investigations and the prosecution of perpetrators hampered by the absence of adequate mechanisms to identify those involved.

Through regulation, the executive intends to establish rules to identify digital platforms, operators, and drivers, as well as set criteria for the provision of a safe, comfortable, and quality service.

According to Jorge Bengue, the initiative also aims to support tourism promotion by making available a formal, safe, and regular transport service.