Senegal is advancing plans to regulate ride-hailing services, seeking to resolve long-standing tensions between traditional taxi operators and digital transport platforms through a new legal framework.
The Ministry of Land and Air Transport said it has held consultations with industry stakeholders to finalise a draft decree governing vehicle-for-hire services, commonly known as VTCs, marking a significant step toward formalising the sector.
The reform aims to clearly define the roles of different players in the urban transport ecosystem. Under the proposed framework, conventional taxis will remain the primary providers of transport services, while VTC platforms will be officially recognised as digital intermediaries that connect drivers with passengers.
Authorities say the distinction is intended to eliminate legal ambiguity that has fuelled disputes in recent years, as the rapid expansion of app-based ride services disrupted the traditional taxi market.
Taxi operators have repeatedly raised concerns over what they view as unfair competition, arguing that digital platforms have operated without the same regulatory obligations, including licensing, taxation and compliance standards.
By contrast, ride-hailing companies have pointed to growing consumer demand for flexible, technology-driven transport solutions, particularly in urban centres where mobility challenges persist.
Officials say the draft decree seeks to strike a balance between these competing interests. “The main concerns raised by stakeholders were addressed,” said Ababacar Fall, director-general of road transport, following the consultation process.
The proposed framework is built around three key objectives: improving passenger and driver safety, ensuring fair competition between traditional taxis and digital platforms, and supporting innovation within the digital economy.
Regulators also aim to establish clearer rules on licensing, operational standards and compliance requirements for both taxis and VTC operators, although full details of the decree have yet to be made public.
The move reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly seeking to regulate ride-hailing services as their popularity grows. Rapid urbanisation, rising smartphone penetration and shifting consumer preferences have accelerated the adoption of app-based transport solutions.
Several countries have already introduced similar measures. In South Africa, reforms to land transport legislation adopted in 2024 tightened requirements for ride-hailing operators, including stricter licensing and compliance rules.
Likewise, Côte d’Ivoire implemented regulations in 2025 that introduced taxes on ride-hailing services and set out obligations for drivers, including training requirements and licensing conditions.
Analysts say Senegal’s approach could serve as a model for other countries seeking to balance innovation with regulation, particularly in fast-growing urban markets.
However, the success of the reform will depend on effective implementation and enforcement, as well as the ability to ensure that both traditional and digital operators adhere to the new rules.
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For commuters, the outcome could shape the future of urban mobility, influencing service availability, pricing and safety standards.
As Senegal moves toward finalising the decree, the government faces the challenge of aligning the interests of established taxi operators with the rapid evolution of digital transport services in a changing economic landscape.
