Staff Writer
Commuter safety and professional conduct in Namibia’s growing e-hailing sector has received a major boost.
This follows the launch of a certified driver training programme by Yango Ride (Namibia) in partnership with the Automobile Association of Namibia (AA Namibia).
The initiative, rolled out in Windhoek on Thursday, brought together dozens of Yango driver-partners for structured training focused on improving road safety, customer service and passenger protection.
The programme is aimed at strengthening safety standards in the ride-hailing industry, with particular attention to respectful engagement with passengers, including women commuters and the handling of conflict situations on the road.
Yango Namibia country manager Alex Mungai said the initiative is part of a broader effort to raise service standards and build public trust in the sector.
“At Yango, we believe every journey should be safe, respectful, and reliable. Through this partnership with AA Namibia, we are investing in our driver community and setting a new benchmark for professionalism and customer care in Namibia’s e-hailing industry,” Mungai said.
The training, facilitated by AA Namibia-certified instructors, covered safe driving techniques, gender-sensitive communication, conflict resolution and customer service excellence.
Drivers were also trained on respectful interaction with passengers and maintaining professionalism under pressure.
Participants received AA Namibia certification and signed a Driver Pledge for Safe and Respectful Service, committing themselves to higher standards of conduct and safer transport experiences for passengers.
AA Namibia executive director Hileni Ndapewa Tjivikua said the initiative reflects the importance of human behaviour in road safety and the role of driver education in reducing risks on the roads.
“Road safety begins with people, and excellent customer service begins with respect. This training demonstrates that when organisations invest in their drivers, they invest in safer roads, stronger communities, and greater public confidence,” she said.
Tjivikua added that the programme places strong emphasis on dignity and safety, especially for women passengers who often face unique challenges in public transport environments.
She further praised Yango for taking proactive steps to equip its driver-partners with practical skills that go beyond driving, describing the partnership as a model for responsible mobility development in Namibia.
The initiative aligns with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, particularly Pillar 4, which focuses on safer road users through education and behavioural change.
The model is expected to be expanded across other African markets where Yango operates, positioning Namibia as an early leader in structured e-hailing driver development and commuter safety innovation.
Transport observers have welcomed the move, noting that the rapid growth of e-hailing services in urban centres has created a need for stronger regulation, training and accountability frameworks.
