Uber pulls out of Nigeria, Uganda amid global layoffs

3:50

Uber pulls out of Nigeria, Uganda amid global layoffs

Published by YuToday Staff

1 hour ago · 3:50 readSeptember 3, 2026

Ride-hailing company Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect as part of a global restructuring plan that includes cutting 3,300 jobs, or 10% of its workforce. The decision follows years of operational challenges in African markets, including driver protests over low fares and rising costs. The company will maintain limited support services in both countries until September 23 to address pending issues.

Key takeaways

Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda amid a global workforce reduction of 10%.
Driver protests over low fares and high costs were a key factor in the company’s decision.
Uber now operates in just four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
The layoffs are part of a broader effort to improve profitability and streamline operations.

Why is Uber leaving Nigeria and Uganda?

Uber’s exit from Nigeria and Uganda comes amid mounting pressures in African markets. Drivers in Nigeria have staged repeated protests over low earnings, high operating costs, and poor working conditions. Similar challenges have emerged in Uganda, where regulatory hurdles and competition from local ride-hailing services have intensified. Industry analysts suggest that Uber’s decision may also reflect a broader strategy to consolidate operations in more stable markets. The company now operates in just four African countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. While Uber has not detailed financial losses in these markets, the persistent operational challenges likely played a key role in the withdrawal.

Global layoffs: What’s behind Uber’s workforce cut?

Uber’s plan to eliminate 3,300 jobs worldwide represents a significant restructuring effort aimed at improving profitability. The cuts affect roles across departments, including corporate, operations, and customer support. The company has framed the move as necessary to streamline operations amid shifting market dynamics. While Uber has not specified which regions will be most impacted, the layoffs are expected to span multiple countries. Analysts note that ride-hailing companies are increasingly focusing on cost efficiency as competition intensifies and investor pressure grows. The workforce reduction follows similar moves by other tech giants seeking to optimize spending.

Where does Uber still operate in Africa?

After exiting Nigeria and Uganda, Uber continues to serve four African markets: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. These countries were chosen for their relatively stable regulatory environments and growing ride-hailing demand. In South Africa, Uber has faced challenges from local competitors but remains a dominant player. Ghana and Kenya have seen steady adoption of ride-hailing services, while Egypt’s large urban population offers significant potential. The company’s remaining presence in Africa is now concentrated in markets where it believes it can achieve sustainable growth. However, the exit from Nigeria and Uganda underscores the difficulties of operating in highly competitive and cost-sensitive markets.

How are drivers and customers reacting?

The news of Uber’s withdrawal has sparked mixed reactions among drivers and customers in Nigeria and Uganda. Many drivers, who have long criticized low fares and high commissions, see the exit as an opportunity to demand better terms from competitors. Some customers, particularly in urban areas, are concerned about the loss of a reliable ride-hailing option. In Nigeria, where Uber was once a market leader, local alternatives like Bolt and indigenous ride-hailing apps have gained traction. The company’s decision to keep its help centers open until September 23 has provided some relief for affected users, but the long-term impact on service availability remains uncertain.

What’s next for Uber’s African strategy?

Uber’s exit from Nigeria and Uganda signals a potential shift in its African strategy, though the company has not outlined specific future plans for the continent. Analysts speculate that Uber may focus on markets where it can achieve profitability more easily, such as South Africa and Kenya. The company could also explore partnerships or acquisitions to strengthen its position in key regions. Meanwhile, competitors like Bolt and local ride-hailing services are likely to capitalize on Uber’s withdrawal by expanding their own operations. For drivers and customers, the changes may lead to improved services or further consolidation in the industry. The coming months will reveal whether Uber’s restructuring efforts yield the desired results.

What happens next

Uber’s restructuring could reshape the ride-hailing landscape in Africa, with competitors poised to fill the gap left by its exit. The company’s focus on profitability may lead to further adjustments in its global operations. For drivers and customers in Nigeria and Uganda, the coming weeks will be critical as they adapt to new service providers. Meanwhile, Uber’s remaining markets in Africa will likely see increased competition as local and international players vie for dominance.