{
  "id": 8012207,
  "title": "Why Uber is in retreat in Africa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/why-uber-is-in-retreat-in-africa",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T11:04:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Africa Business",
    "slug": "africa-business",
    "url": "https://african.business/2026/09/technology-information/why-uber-is-in-retreat-in-africa"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Uber's journey in Africa has been marked by growth and transformation, but the company is now in retreat across several African nations. In Nigeria, a country where Uber was the pioneer of online ride-hailing, the company announced its withdrawal in September 2025. The decision came after a thorough review of its operations in the country. Similarly, Uber exited Uganda, Tanzania, and Côte d'Ivoire in recent years.\n\nThe primary challenge for Uber in Africa is mathematical - finding a balance between affordable fares for low-income customers and sustainable profits for drivers and the company itself. Fuel prices have posed a significant obstacle, particularly in Nigeria where fuel subsidies were removed in 2023, causing a threefold increase in petrol and diesel costs. This, combined with the depreciation of the naira and a shrinking middle-income market due to economic challenges, has made it difficult for Uber to maintain profitability in Nigeria.\n\nUber's dominance in the market has attracted competition from local companies and international rivals. Bolt, a rival with a smaller commission rate of 15-20%, has gained significant market share in Nigeria. Bolt's more flexible approach to local market realities, including allowing drivers to operate in older vehicles and motorised three-wheelers, has helped it appeal to a broader market than Uber. However, Bolt's reputation has suffered due to these compromises.\n\nDespite its challenges, Uber remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa, currently operating in four countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The company's struggle in Nigeria highlights the difficulties faced by global tech giants in adapting to the unique challenges and dynamics of the African market.",
  "summary": "The ride-hailing giant's withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda follows the demise of its businesses in Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire.",
  "key_points": [
    "Uber withdrew from Nigeria, its African pioneer, in September 2025",
    "Fuel price increase and naira depreciation hindered profitability in Nigeria",
    "Competitors like Bolt offer lower commissions and more flexible operations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}