Uber abruptly exits Nigeria and Uganda, its two biggest African markets
Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect
Uber has shut down operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect, ending a 12-year run in Africa's most populous country. The ride-hailing giant cited a 'difficult decision' after reviewing its business, following years of driver protests over low fares and high commissions, compounded by rising fuel costs and competition from rivals like Bolt and inDrive. The exits leave Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa as Uber's only African markets, as the company also cuts 10% of its global workforce.
This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent.
- jhogervorst
According to some people on X, they shut down immediately, while rides were still active. Sounds like an unplanned (and quite crazy) action.
- tristanj
Makes sense, Uber's 30-50% cut is far too much. How can they compete with inDrive which only takes 10%. And on inDrive you set your own fare.
Rides are 20-40% cheaper elsewhere, why would anyone pay extra for Uber?
- melodyogonna
Uber was never really in Nigeria much, despite apparently being here a long time. I use ride-hailing a lot, and I've never used it because it is not available in my state, or in most states, for that matter.
- tabs_or_spaces
It feels like people are comparing Uber the brand in their own country and applying that to other countries
* People assume that Uber is a big brand in Nigeria and Uganda, this might not be true
* People assume that Uber is popular in these countries, this might also not be true
- alephnerd
Bolt (the CEE ridesharing app) is the primary player in Nigeria. In Uganda it's primarily a bunch of local startups.
- 33MHz-i486
has Uber had a positive ROI on the billions invested in it? I am pretty sure the return on the preferred price from the late rounds 10 years ago is basically zero. Net income has always been negative or close to zero. From a consumer perspective, in late stage cities, uber rides are the same or more expensive than old taxis, and the quality of vehicles is lower. what was it all worth?
- hduto
Driving for Uber in Lagos I suspect has to be very challenging
- swimminglala88
why they do that