Motorcycle boom outpaces licensing in Zimbabwe

On a busy Friday afternoon in Harare's central business district, a delivery rider carefully navigates through lunchtime traffic, weaving between stationary vehicles as he races to complete another order.

His motorcycle is fitted with a cargo box packed with parcels destined for homes and businesses across the city. Like thousands of other riders now visible on Zimbabwe's roads, he is part of a rapidly growing delivery economy powered by motorcycles.

The rise of motorcycle-based delivery services is transforming urban commerce, creating employment opportunities and making it easier for consumers to access goods without leaving their homes. Yet the boom is also raising concerns about road safety, licensing compliance and whether regulatory systems are keeping pace with the sector's growth.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) Fourth Quarter 2025 Transport Statistics Report, 1,486 motorcycles were registered for the first time during the quarter, representing a 33 percent increase from the previous quarter. During the same period, registrations of light vehicles such as cars and small vans rose by 18.4 percent, bringing the total number of newly registered light vehicles and motorcycles to 21,201.

The figures point to a growing reliance on motorcycles as both a transport solution and a source of income, particularly among young people facing limited employment opportunities.

The expansion has been fuelled by rising urbanisation, increasing online commerce and persistent unemployment. For many Zimbabweans, motorcycle delivery work has become one of the few accessible ways to earn a living in a challenging economic environment.

However, the rapid growth has exposed questions about compliance with existing laws governing motorcycle operation.

Zimbabwean law requires motorcycle riders to possess a valid Class A or A1 licence before operating a motorcycle on public roads. A provisional learner's licence is not sufficient for commercial delivery work.

Yet many riders continue operating without full licences.

Vehicle Inspectorate Department statistics show that the national pass rate for the Certificate of Competency practical driving test stood at 56.3 percent during the fourth quarter of 2025. More than four out of every ten candidates failed the examination.

For many delivery riders, obtaining a licence presents financial challenges. The costs associated with driving lessons, test fees and time away from work can be prohibitive for individuals already operating on narrow profit margins.

One delivery rider, who requested anonymity and identified himself only as Tonderai, said he has worked in the sector for more than a year using only a provisional learner's licence.

After losing his job as a supermarket merchandiser in 2024, he entered the delivery business through a rent-to-buy arrangement for a motorcycle.

"The test fees are not cheap," he said. "I can't afford to take time off for lessons because I need to keep working. Time is money."

Although he acknowledges the need for a full licence, he admits that financial pressures continue to delay the process.

Road safety experts warn that situations like Tonderai's increase risks for riders, passengers, pedestrians and motorists alike.

The dangers are reflected in accident statistics. In January 2025, four people died in two separate motorcycle crashes in Murehwa and Mukumbura. In April, another fatal incident occurred when a motorcyclist struck and killed a pedestrian along the Mutoko-Chidye Road before fleeing the scene.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has repeatedly identified motorcycles among the categories of vehicles frequently involved in serious road accidents.

Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe Managing Director Munesu Munodawafa believes the country possesses adequate training and testing capacity, but argues that compliance remains the primary challenge.

"Zimbabwe has enough capacity to train and license riders," he said. "Our studies have however revealed that the biggest challenge in this sector relates to non-compliance of set regulations."

He said growing motorcycle usage requires stronger enforcement efforts by the authorities responsible for road safety.

The Traffic Safety Council has also sought to improve rider safety through partnerships aimed at distributing helmets and providing road safety education. Programmes implemented in areas such as Makaha, Hurungwe and Plumtree have targeted licensed riders with free protective equipment and refresher training courses.

Consumers who rely on delivery services acknowledge the convenience motorcycles provide but also express concerns about rider behaviour.

Lucy, an accountant based in Chisipite, said delivery services have made shopping significantly easier.

"These bikes have made life so much easier," she said. "I can order something online, pay through mobile money and have it delivered."

However, she said some riders engage in dangerous practices while attempting to meet delivery deadlines.

"I've seen them riding against traffic and ignoring red lights. One rider hit my side mirror and never stopped."

Such complaints have become increasingly common as motorcycles occupy a larger space within urban transport systems.

Police have responded by urging motorcyclists to act responsibly and comply with road traffic regulations. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi recently warned riders against fleeing accident scenes, saying such behaviour worsens already tragic situations.

As Zimbabwe's motorcycle economy continues to expand, the challenge for policymakers will be balancing the economic benefits generated by the sector with the need to ensure road safety and regulatory compliance.

The growth in registrations demonstrates that motorcycles are becoming an increasingly important part of the country's transport and delivery infrastructure. What remains less clear is whether licensing, rider training and enforcement mechanisms are expanding at the same pace.

Until that question is fully answered, Zimbabwe's motorcycle boom will continue to represent both an economic opportunity and a growing road safety challenge.