Uber has ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect following a review of its business in the two countries.
The US-based company described the withdrawal as a difficult decision and said it would support affected employees and drivers. Its help centre will remain available in both countries until September 23 to resolve outstanding issues.
Uber entered Nigeria in 2014 before launching in Uganda two years later. The latest closures follow the company’s recent departures from Tanzania and Ivory Coast, leaving it operating in only four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
The move also coincides with a wider global restructuring under which Uber plans to reduce its workforce by 10%, affecting more than 3,000 jobs.
In Nigeria, drivers have repeatedly complained about low fares, high commission charges and rising fuel and maintenance costs. The market has also become increasingly competitive, with Bolt, inDrive and several domestic platforms offering alternative services.
Operating conditions worsened after President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed Nigeria’s long-standing fuel subsidy in 2023, sharply increasing transport costs and contributing to broader inflation. More recent increases in petrol prices have added further pressure on drivers and passengers.
During its 12 years in Nigeria, Uber expanded beyond conventional car rides. In 2019, the company introduced a boat service in Lagos intended to help commuters avoid the commercial capital’s severe road congestion.
Uganda is also expected to see rival platforms move quickly to absorb Uber’s customers and drivers. Services such as Bolt, Faras and SafeBoda already operate in Kampala and are well positioned to fill the gap.
Uber stressed that its withdrawal was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and did not signal a wider retreat from Africa. The company said it remained committed to its remaining markets on the continent, where it continued to see opportunities for growth.
