Uber, the US-based ride-hailing company, has ended its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026, following a review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
The decision is limited to the two markets and does not affect Uber's operations in its other African markets. The global ride-hailing giant said it had come to the “difficult decision” after a thorough review of its business.
Uber launched in Nigeria in 2014, beginning in Lagos, and later expanded to Abuja. In Uganda, the company launched in Kampala in 2016.
Uber has not given specific country-level reasons for its withdrawal, instead citing evolving business priorities and a shift in its investment focus.
The company said it remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa, where it continues to see strong growth and long-term opportunities. The exit comes amid difficult conditions in Nigeria's ride-hailing industry.
Drivers have complained about low fares, rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs and platform commissions. In March 2026, Nigerian ride-hailing drivers, including Uber and Bolt drivers, staged a strike over low fares and rising operating costs.
However, these challenges should not be presented as Uber's stated reason for leaving Nigeria. The company has not said that driver complaints, competition or fuel prices directly caused its decision to exit.
The announcement came as Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi separately announced that the company would reduce its global workforce by about 10%, or roughly 3,300 jobs, as part of a broader restructuring aimed at creating a simpler and faster organisation.
Uber said the changes are intended to simplify its organisational structure, speed up decision-making and focus people and investment on its biggest opportunities.
The company also said the African withdrawal is limited to Nigeria and Uganda and does not affect its remaining African operations. Following the two exits, Uber continues to operate in four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
During its 12 years in Nigeria, Uber expanded beyond conventional ride-hailing. In Lagos, it launched UberBOAT in October 2019 in partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authority and Texas Connection Ferries, offering commuters an alternative way to navigate the city's notorious road congestion.
Uber's departure marks the end of a 12-year presence in Nigeria and a decade-long presence in Uganda, reshaping the ride-hailing landscape in both countries as local and international competitors compete for the company's former riders and drivers.
