In Kinshasa, a sprawling metropolis home to an estimated 15 to 20 million people, traffic congestion has become a daily ordeal for commuters. Endless gridlocks, deteriorating public transportation, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of clear signage and traffic enforcement have driven many residents to embrace a more flexible mode of transport: the taxi-bike, locally known as the Wewa.

This trend, mirrored in several other cities across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intensified in 2025. A study conducted by Congolese firm Target SARL from March 1 to 7, 2025, across all 26 provinces found that 71% of users now rely primarily on motorcycle cabs, up from 67% in 2023. The service appeals to all age groups, though usage tends to decline slightly with age.

“Its success stems from its ability to avoid traffic jams, cover short distances quickly, and offer more affordable prices than conventional taxis,” the study explains. The main advantage remains the Wewa’s agility, weaving through congested streets to significantly cut travel times, especially during rush hours.

“I used to take two hours to get to my workplace by bus. Today, by taking a motorcycle cab, I’m there in less than 40 minutes,” says Séraphin Mbuyi, a loincloth seller at Kinshasa’s bustling Zando market. “I live on 18th Street, Limete. I used to leave very early to be among the first at work and avoid traffic jams. Now, I don’t have to. I’m certainly stressed, but I know I can find a motorcycle to get me there,” he adds.

An Unregulated Sector

Yet, the sector remains largely unregulated. In February 2024, the Congolese National Police (PNC) banned motorcyclists from Gombe, Kinshasa’s most upscale district. However, the ban is frequently ignored. At the Socimat crossroads, right in the heart of Gombe, motorcycle cabs openly ply their trade.

Most operators are young men from working-class neighborhoods who enter the business without formal training or licenses. They often ride without helmets, flout traffic laws, and lack insurance, increasing risks for passengers. The low cost of motorcycles and minimal barriers to entry have made this a livelihood for thousands of unemployed Congolese. Local authorities acknowledge the urgent need to regulate and structure the market, but face challenges in implementing a coherent strategy.

Amid growing demand for safer, more reliable motorcycle transport, digital mobility platform Yango—a subsidiary of Russian tech giant Yandex—launched a motorcycle ride-hailing service in Kinshasa in 2023, aiming to professionalize the sector and offer a more secure alternative.

Ronsard Luabeya (intern)