Business & Finance
Uber closes operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
The ride-hailing company retreats from two African markets amid rising operating costs and a broader global workforce reduction.
The short version
- Uber has halted all ride-hailing services in Nigeria and Uganda immediately following an internal business review.
- The move directly affects local drivers, staff, and commuters, with support centers remaining open until September 23 to resolve pending matters.
- The exits leave Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa as the only remaining African markets for the company, which previously left Ivory Coast and Tanzania.
- Local and international competitors such as Bolt, inDrive, Faras, and SafeBoda are expected to absorb demand in affected urban centers.
Key facts
- Uber announced the immediate shutdown of its operations in Nigeria, where it launched in 2014, and Uganda, where it entered in 2016.[BBC News]
- The exit coincides with an announcement by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi of a 10% global workforce reduction impacting more than 3,000 positions.[BBC News]
- Drivers in Nigeria previously organized protests regarding high commission rates, low passenger fares, and sharp increases in fuel prices following the removal of national fuel subsidies and global price spikes.[BBC News]
- Following previous withdrawals from Ivory Coast and Tanzania over the past year, Uber's African footprint is now limited to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.[BBC News]
- Uber's support facilities in Nigeria and Uganda will stay open through September 23 to process final administrative issues for drivers and personnel.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact number of drivers and local staff members in Nigeria and Uganda affected by the sudden shutdown has not been specified.[BBC News]