Luanda:The Angolan government is set to enforce stringent regulations on digital transport platforms and introduce mandatory safety technologies for commercial fleets. This decision follows the approval of measures during the Council of Ministers' ninth ordinary session.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Jorge Bengue, the Secretary of State for Road Transport, announced these significant policy changes at a press briefing after the meeting chaired by President João Lourenço.
The proposed legislation is aimed at the burgeoning ride-hailing sector in Angola, which currently includes six operators and approximately 25,000 affiliated vehicles. The sector has been operating without specific regulatory frameworks, leading to challenges such as fare disparities, tax collection issues, and criminal incidents affecting passengers.
The new framework will require digital platforms, operators, and drivers to meet clear identification criteria and adhere to statutory personal data safeguards. The government's goal is to formalize the sector, reduce informal markets, improve service standards, and enhance tourism infrastructure with secure transport options. The draft law will now proceed to the National Assembly for legislative approval.
In addition to the ride-hailing regulations, the Council of Ministers has approved a regulation mandating the installation of tachographs in passenger vehicles with more than nine occupants and heavy cargo trucks over 3.5 tons. These devices will track travel speeds, driving times, and rest periods, with drivers limited to five and a half hours of continuous driving followed by a mandatory 30-minute rest, and a total daily driving cap of 10 hours. Enforcement authorities will be empowered to inspect digital driver cards during traffic stops.
The government's move to tighten oversight is driven by concerning road safety statistics from last year, which showed an average of 1,000 accidents and around 200 fatalities each month across Angola.
