Nigeria · BUSINESS
Key Facts
- —Exit date Uber stops operations in Nigeria and Uganda on September 2, 2026.
- —Global cuts The exit is part of a global restructuring that eliminates about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of staff.
- —Nigeria tenure Uber operated in Nigeria for about 12 years, starting in 2014.
- —Uganda tenure Uber operated in Uganda for 10 years, focusing on Kampala since 2016.
- —Rider support Uber keeps rider support available for 21 days after the shutdown.
- —Remaining Africa After this exit, Uber operates in only four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Uber is leaving Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, 2026, citing a strategic review. The move is part of a global restructuring that cuts 3,300 jobs.
Uber is shutting down in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, 2026. The exit is part of a global restructuring that cuts about 3,300 jobs, roughly 10% of its workforce.
Uber says the decision follows a thorough review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa. It insists the move is limited strictly to these two markets and does not affect other African operations.
Why Uber Is Leaving
Uber said it will stop Nigeria and Uganda operations on September 2, 2026. This decision is not linked to FAAN’s airport e-hailing directive.
Uber says it wants to concentrate investments on markets where it can provide earning opportunities at scale for drivers. It did not publicly cite currency issues or profitability in its formal statement.
Timeline of Uber in Africa
Uber first launched in Nigeria in 2014, making it one of its earliest African markets outside South Africa. It operated in major cities like Lagos and Abuja for about 12 years.
Uber launched in Uganda in 2016, mainly in Kampala. Daily Monitor says Uber called it a privilege to connect users with drivers.
What Happens to Riders
Riders in Nigeria and Uganda lose access to the Uber app from September 2, 2026. Uber says rider support will remain available for 21 days after the shutdown.
This support helps with outstanding queries, refunds, and account balances, according to Techpoint Africa and Premium Times. Uber says it will handle rider data per data protection laws and privacy policies.
Impact on Drivers
Uber says its immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout the transition. However, it has not disclosed specific compensation or exit packages for drivers.
The company says it will communicate directly with affected drivers and riders about what the exit means for them. Media reports expect many drivers will migrate to alternative platforms like Bolt, inDrive, and SafeBoda.
Competitor Response
On September 2, 2026, Bolt’s West Africa head said Nigeria remains key. Teddy Appa-Dankyi affirmed Bolt’s firm commitment to the country.
Other active players include inDrive, which uses a negotiate-your-fare model, and Uganda’s SafeBoda for motorcycle taxis. Local Nigerian apps like Rida and LagRide also operate, but these details are contextual, not from primary coverage.
Global Restructuring Context
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced global cuts in an internal memo. Jobs seven layers from CEO drop 20%; micro-teams drop nearly 50%.
The memo consolidates three Delivery Ops teams into single-threaded teams at global, regional, and country levels. Separately, global teams will concentrate in New York and San Francisco, freeing capital for autonomous mobility and robotaxis.
Regulatory and Union Reactions
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) spokesperson, Comrade Jossy Adaraniwon, blamed Uber’s “exploitative foundational business model” for the exit. No on-record government reaction has been found.
Uber felt compelled to clarify that the exit was not driven by FAAN’s airport directive. Some Nigerian media frame the exit as a blow to the tech ecosystem, but these are analyses, not official statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Uber stop operating in Nigeria and Uganda?
Uber stops operations on September 2, 2026, in both countries. Riders found the app offline on that date.
Why is Uber leaving these markets?
Uber says it is focusing on markets where it can provide earning opportunities at scale. It follows a thorough review of business priorities and is not related to airport regulations.
Will riders get any support after the shutdown?
Yes, rider support stays available for 21 days after September 2. This helps with refunds, outstanding balances, and account queries.
What should drivers do?
Uber says it will communicate directly with affected drivers. Many are expected to join competitors like Bolt, inDrive, or SafeBoda.
How does this affect Uber’s other African operations?
Uber says the exit is limited to Nigeria and Uganda. It remains committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, but now operates only in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Uber official statement via Techpoint Africa; BBC Pidgin; Premium Times/allAfrica; Daily Monitor (Uganda); Nairametrics; Khusoko; Hindustan Times
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
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