UberZim Safety Report

UberZim is committed to ensuring the highest level of safety and trust for its riders, drivers, and partners in Zimbabwe. As a technology-driven mobility platform operating within a developing economic framework, UberZim prioritises user protection, crime deterrence, road safety, and data security. This report outlines current safety protocols, identified risks, local considerations, and planned enhancements specific to the Zimbabwean context.

Safety Objectives
  • Enhance rider and driver safety through technology and local partnerships
  • Ensure compliance with Zimbabwean legal and regulatory requirements
  • Adapt international best practices to local economic conditionsPromote a culture of accountability and safety awareness


Local Context: Zimbabwe Economic & Social Considerations
  • Informal Economy Dominance: Many drivers rely on ride-sharing for supplemental income, making platform accessibility and flexible onboarding critical.
  • Power & Connectivity Issues: Frequent power outages and unstable mobile data may affect GPS tracking, real-time communication, and emergency response features.
  • High Urban Crime Rates: Carjackings, robberies, and fraud remain notable risks in major cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
  • Public Trust: Digital trust is growing, but users still seek reassurances around personal data safety and identity verification.

Current Safety Measures
  • User Verification
  • Riders and drivers must verify identity using:
  • National ID or Passport
  • Valid driver’s license (for drivers)Facial recognition and photo matching
  • Background checks conducted in collaboration with ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police)

In-App Safety Features
  • Real-time GPS tracking with trip sharing to contacts
  • Emergency SOS button integrated with local emergency service (to be confirmed).
  • Ride rating and feedback loop after every trip
  • Driver and rider gender preference feature (optional)

Vehicle Standards
  • Mandatory 6-month vehicle safety inspections
  • Vehicles must be less than 10 years old unless otherwise approved
  • Roadworthy certification from VID (Vehicle Inspection Department)

Driver Training
  • Safety-focused onboarding including:
  • Defensive driving
  • Customer service
  • Harassment prevention
  • Ongoing refresher training offered quarterly

Key Safety Risks Identified
Risk Likelihood Impact  Mitigation Carjacking or Assault Medium High Panic button, GPS tracking, driver alerts Fake User Profiles Low-Medium Medium Strict KYC, photo verification Network Outages (Econet, etc) high Medium Offline trip logging, SMS location sharing Road Accidents  Medium-High High Mandatory driver training, vehicle checks Data Breaches low High Encrypted servers, local compliance audits


Safety Awareness Campaigns
  • Launching "Ride Smart Zim” public safety campaign via radio, WhatsApp, and social media
  • Yearly Driver Safety Awards for compliance and service excellence

Recommendations & Future Actions
  • Develop offline ride verification tokens for low-connectivity zones
  • Partner with Econet and NetOne for zero-rated safety alerts
  • Expand emergency response partnerships with private security firms
  • Implement AI-based route risk detection
  • Launch a 24/7 Safety Response Center in Bulawayo.

Safety is non-negotiable for UberZim’s continued growth in Zimbabwe. By tailoring safety features to the realities of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and economy, UberZim aims to foster a safer, more trustworthy ride-sharing environment. This report serves as both a status update and a commitment to continual improvement in user safety.

UberZim Safety & Risk Management Team
Contact: safety@uberzim.co.zw | +263-78-000-0000