Uber pulls out of African markets after years of driver disputes

Uber has ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, bringing its 12-year presence in Africa’s most populous country and a decade of service in Uganda to a close.

The US company said the withdrawal followed a comprehensive assessment of its operations and stressed that it remains committed to other African markets. The closures come alongside a wider restructuring at Uber involving about 3,300 job losses, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi saying the company is cutting costs while directing more resources towards growth, innovation and autonomous transport technology.

Uber entered Lagos in 2014 and Kampala two years later, but its operations in both countries were repeatedly affected by disagreements over fares, driver earnings and commission rates. Nigerian drivers staged strikes earlier this year, arguing that fares had failed to reflect increasing fuel and vehicle expenses. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has criticised Uber’s departure, accusing the company of exploiting drivers and failing to adequately consult them before leaving the market.

The Nigerian withdrawal also follows a disagreement concerning access to airports controlled by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, although Uber has denied that the dispute drove its decision. In Uganda, the company faced similar complaints about commissions and low fares alongside strong competition from local and regional operators.

The latest departures continue a broader contraction of Uber’s African footprint. The company previously exited Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania and temporarily withdrew from Morocco before returning in 2025. Uber’s direct operations on the continent are now concentrated in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt and Morocco.

Image credit: Erik McLean