Ivory Coast – Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) and parcel delivery: the Ministry of Transport announces major reforms to clean up the sector

The Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, through the Directorate General of Land Transport and Traffic (DGTTC), announced significant reforms to improve the environment for private hire vehicles (PHVs) and parcel delivery services. This announcement was made on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau, during a consultation with stakeholders in the sector.

The assessment revealed that the PHV sector in Côte d’Ivoire is experiencing significant disarray, due to the exponential growth of the activity and a lack of reliable statistics to effectively regulate it.

“Every time we take measures or implement reforms, the Minister asks us to hold consultations,” explained Oumar Sacko, Director General of the DGTTC (Directorate General of Transport and Maritime Affairs), before adding, “Our goal is to guarantee the sustainability of their operations while protecting users’ rights.”

As part of the reforms, Amadou Koné, an advisor to the Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs, announced the implementation of a pilot program for ride-hailing companies to allow them to regularize their status for the proper operation of their business before moving to the operational phase.

“We will soon launch a price comparison system so that users can freely choose when ordering a ride-hailing service,” Oumar Sacko also announced. Customers will then be able to choose between several offers based on their budget, time constraints, and needs.

The Ministry of Transport also announced a price cap to prevent exorbitant fares.

According to him, practicing this profession is subject to two approvals: one from the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI) for personal data, and the other from the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs.

The transport of small packages (0-32 kg) is also undergoing reform. The Ivorian postal service, which is theoretically responsible for this service, has decided to contract with professional delivery drivers. To this end, it has launched a registration system for these drivers on its platform to improve their management.

“We thank the various transport authorities, in particular the Minister and the Directorate General of Land Transport, who are defining a regulatory framework conducive to cleaning up the sector,” said Siaka Fofana, co-founder of the Waren Taxi platform, before launching this appeal to his peers: “It is now up to us to work properly, in a healthy and competitive environment, and in complete transparency, respecting the requirements of our various authorities, in the interest of the population.”