South Africa’s mobility sector enters 2026 shaped by persistent cost pressure, fuel price volatility and a labour market where alternative income streams remain critical. These conditions are pushing platforms to prioritise resilience, fairness and operational discipline first, instead of simply focusing on rapid expansion.

Insights from inDrive’s global and local leadership suggest that the next phase of growth will be defined by efficiency-driven models, realistic technology deployment and a renewed focus on trust across riders, drivers and partners.

Sustainable growth becomes non-negotiable

Mobility platforms are operating in a tougher economy that rewards sustainable business models. Cost optimisation, careful allocation of resources and operational stability are now fundamental, baseline requirements. 

“This shift accelerates consolidation,” says Ashif Black, country representative for inDrive South Africa. “We saw post 2022 that, across the sector, platforms that adapted their models strengthened governance and improved service consistency to better emerge as long-term operators. 

“inDrive in particular responded to tougher conditions by investing in more accurate pickup‑time forecasting, improving driver support and payout predictability, and creating clearer, fairer fare structures. Consistency and fairness have helped us retain drivers and riders alike, and positioned the platform as a dependable choice in a market where long‑term sustainability matters,” says Black. 

Driver earnings and fairness

In 2026, the focus on driver earnings and fairness is expected to intensify as South African riders and drivers demand more predictable, transparent platforms. 

“Platforms that combine transparent pricing with predictable payouts will be better positioned to support drivers’ livelihoods and maintain rider loyalty,” says Black. “As households increasingly rely on ride-hailing for income, fairness and consistency in earnings will shape which services thrive in the coming year.”

This trend reflects a broader expectation that mobility platforms must balance operational efficiency with economic security for drivers, particularly in a market where gig work remains a key source of income.

Payments and friction reduction

In 2026, cashless payments are expected to become increasingly central to mobility platforms in South Africa, particularly as drivers and riders seek faster, safer and more reliable transaction options. Platforms that integrate with local bank systems and mobile wallets and reduce data costs for app usage will likely see higher adoption and smoother operations, especially in smaller towns or among users with limited banking access.

“Platforms that can reduce friction through instant EFTs, mobile wallets or low-data usage apps will support drivers’ ability to work efficiently while keeping riders engaged,” says Black. inDrive in particular recently introduced a payment feature it calls Light Cashless, which allows direct bank transfers and aims to reduce reliance on cash while supporting safer, more predictable earnings for drivers

Safety and operational realism

Safety will continue to shape platform success in South Africa in 2026, as urban congestion, infrastructure gaps and crime risk create unique mobility challenges. Platforms that adopt predictive safety tools capable of flagging potential hazards before they arise will be better positioned to maintain trust and reliability.

Operational realism will also extend to technology deployment, where accurate pickup-time forecasting and apps that run reliably on mid-range devices will be essential. This is particularly key for ride-hailing platforms that look to maintaining consistent service and supporting drivers managing extended shifts or working in areas with intermittent connectivity.

Price sensitivity and future monetisation

Price-conscious behaviour is expected to remain a defining feature of South African mobility markets in 2026, influenced by fuel costs, inflation and broader economic pressures. Platforms that treat price sensitivity as actionable data by optimising service allocation, personalising offers and keeping fares transparent, will have a competitive advantage.

“In 2026, platforms that adapt pricing models to reflect real behaviour, including negotiated fares, transparent commissions and options that put more income in drivers’ hands, will be better placed to weather economic pressures,” says Black. “South African riders and drivers are showing they value choice and fairness in pricing, and services that acknowledge that will build stronger, more resilient ecosystems.”