As Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda prepare to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the transport sector is positioning itself to benefit from the expected influx of visitors. The Taxi Online Drivers Association held a meeting in Dar es Salaam to discuss preparations, challenges, and opportunities ahead of the tournament. The association aims to provide safe, reliable, and professional services to visitors.
Ride-hailing operators see the tournament as an opportunity to increase earnings while showcasing Tanzania. Former Taxi Online Drivers Association chairperson Neema Mushi said the expected increase in visitors would create more business for drivers. She expressed excitement and readiness to serve visitors honestly, but noted that language could be a challenge due to the international nature of the tournament.
To address language barriers, the Taxi Online Drivers Association's secretary, Ebon Ford, called for greater use of technology, including translation tools. This would help drivers communicate with passengers who do not speak Kiswahili or English fluently, improving the quality of services. Ford emphasized the importance of effective communication in providing excellent services to visitors.
However, drivers face challenges at airports and SGR stations that must be addressed before the tournament. Michael Mtalii said ride-hailing drivers sometimes face difficulties picking up and dropping off passengers at these facilities and may be forced to leave. Even LATRA-registered drivers with valid permits have faced difficulties, including arrests, highlighting the need for designated areas for licensed ride-hailing vehicles.
LATRA Director General Dr. Habibu Suluo urged drivers to maintain high standards of honesty and professionalism, emphasizing their responsibility for passengers' safety, time, and property. He stressed the importance of upholding these standards to ensure a positive experience for visitors. The Tanzania government expects over one million people to enter the country for Afcon and the Miss World event.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Abdallah Mitawi, directed LATRA to work with airport, SGR, and other authorities to address challenges affecting ride-hailing operators. This collaboration aims to ensure that the transport sector is well-prepared to handle the influx of visitors. The Ministry of Transport is working to create a conducive environment for ride-hailing operators to provide excellent services.
The Taxi Online Drivers Association has already placed Afcon on its preparation agenda, recognizing the need for early preparation. Chairman Fey Mashala emphasized that preparation should start early, and stakeholders should learn from countries that have hosted major sporting events. This proactive approach will help ensure that visitors leave with good memories of their experience in Tanzania.
Key points
- The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to attract over one million visitors to Tanzania, creating significant demand for transport services.
- Ride-hailing operators are preparing to provide safe, reliable, and professional services to visitors, but face challenges at airports and SGR stations.
- The Tanzania government is working to address challenges affecting ride-hailing operators, including language barriers and difficulties at airports and SGR stations.
