Business

Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda amid rising competition and costs

Uber ends ride-hailing services in Nigeria and Uganda after 12 and 10 years, citing competition and higher costs, while continuing operations in four other African countries.

By Chloe Davies •2 min read

Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda amid rising competition and costs

Uber has ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect. The company cited a business review after years of rising fuel costs and stronger local competition. It entered Nigeria in 2014 and Uganda in 2016 and will now focus on four remaining African markets.

What prompted Uber's withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda?

Uber announced the immediate cessation of ride-hailing services in both countries following an internal review. The decision comes after sustained pressure from higher operating expenses and intensifying rivalry from Bolt, inDrive and several local platforms. In Nigeria, the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023 further increased fuel prices and overall transport costs for drivers.

How have drivers and riders reacted?

Many drivers in Nigeria expressed surprise at the sudden announcement. The company stated it will keep its help centre open until 23 September to assist affected users and workers. Riders in Uganda are expected to shift toward Bolt, SafeBoda and Faras, which already operate in the market.

Which other African markets has Uber left recently?

The exits from Nigeria and Uganda follow similar withdrawals from Ivory Coast and Tanzania over the past year. Uber now maintains active ride-hailing services in only Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The company indicated it still sees growth opportunities across sub-Saharan Africa despite the reductions.

What additional services did Uber offer in Nigeria?

Beyond standard car rides, Uber launched a boat service in Lagos in 2019 designed to help commuters bypass heavy road traffic. The service formed part of efforts to adapt to local infrastructure challenges before the latest market review.

Frequently asked questions

When did Uber start operations in Nigeria and Uganda?

Uber began ride-hailing services in Nigeria in 2014 and entered Uganda in 2016.

Will Uber continue any operations in the two countries?

The company confirmed its help centres will remain available until 23 September 2026, after which ride-hailing support ends.

Which companies are expected to gain market share?

Bolt, inDrive and local operators are positioned to absorb demand previously served by Uber in both markets.

Does the exit affect Uber's broader African strategy?

Uber stated the decision does not change its commitment to the four remaining markets and continued opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Key takeaways

Uber ended ride-hailing services in Nigeria and Uganda immediately after a business review.
Key factors included rising fuel costs after Nigeria's 2023 subsidy removal and competition from Bolt and inDrive.
The company previously left Ivory Coast and Tanzania and now operates in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
Driver support remains available through 23 September 2026.

By Chloe Davies

Chloe Davies, a Technology Correspondent, investigates the intersection of News and History with an emphasis on how technological advancements shape and are shaped by historical contexts and contemporary events. She explores the evolution of various technologies, placing current innovations within a broader historical narrative, and dissecting how breaking news in the tech world has roots in past developments. Her output includes timely news reports on new technological breakthroughs, detailed explanatory articles on the historical trajectory of specific technologies, and longer-form investigations into the societal impact of enduring technological trends. Chloe’s approach involves delving into archival records and academic research to understand the origins of a technology, then cross-referencing this with interviews with innovators and users, and rigorous testing of new products or platforms. She meticulously verifies claims against historical precedents and current data, ensuring accuracy and context. Readers who follow Chloe's reporting acquire a unique perspective on the fast-paced world of technology, understanding that present-day innovations are not isolated but are deeply embedded in a continuum of human ingenuity and societal need. Her work helps to contextualize rapid technological change, offering insights into how past decisions influence today’s digital landscape and how current events may shape future technological paradigms, providing a richer, more informed view of the digital age.