The city of Kinshasa has taken a bold regulatory step in the urban transport sector. On July 14, 2025, the provincial Minister of Transport and Urban Mobility, Amisso Yoka Lumbila Bob, announced the ban of seven ride-hailing (VTC) companies, leaving Yango as the only authorized operator in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The announcement follows a comprehensive compliance review conducted by provincial authorities on all VTC companies operating within Kinshasa. According to the official statement, only Yango met all administrative and legal obligations required by the city’s transport regulations. As a result, it remains the sole platform allowed to continue providing ride-hailing services.

In contrast, the companies Majaabu Caab, Car Nayo, Cars Express, Heetch RDC, Kin Tai, as well as an unidentified VTC platform, and Africab, were all found non-compliant and are now prohibited from operating within Kinshasa.

Authorities cite the March 26, 2013 decree as the legal basis for this action. The decree outlines the applicable fees, taxes, and duties in the transport sector and makes it mandatory for companies to comply with specific administrative requirements enforced by the Ministry of Transport and Urban Mobility.

This is not the ministry’s first intervention in the ride-hailing sector this year. In May 2025, an identification campaign targeting all VTC drivers was launched under decree No. 374 of December 20, 2020. The dual aims were to enhance passenger safety and strengthen tax enforcement. The operation also intended to clearly differentiate legitimate drivers from those operating without proper authorization—an issue linked to growing concerns over passenger assaults, kidnappings, and insurance fraud.

This article was initially published in French by Ronsard Luabeya, Intern

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum