Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda, bringing an end to its operations in two markets after first launching in Lagos in 2014 and later expanding into Kampala.
The exit takes effect on September 2, 2026, ending 12 years in Nigeria and 10 in Uganda, two of the earliest African markets the ride-hailing giant ever entered.
The company framed the decision as part of a broader reshuffling of its investment focus across the continent, rather than a retreat from Africa altogether.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026.”
The company also added that the move is limited strictly to the two markets and does not touch its operations elsewhere on the continent.
Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa remain active Uber markets, and the company insists it still sees strong growth potential in the region.
Uber had already exited Tanzania in February. Its withdrawals from Nigeria and Uganda therefore follow a broader pattern, suggesting the company is reducing its presence in Africa and focusing on fewer, larger markets where it can operate at greater scale.
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Drivers and riders bear the immediate weight of the change. Uber said it has contacted active drivers with a token of appreciation as they transition out of the platform, while rider support channels will remain open for 21 days to address outstanding queries.
In Nigeria specifically, the Help Center remains accessible until September 23, giving users a short window to sort out lingering account or payment issues.
Uber’s exit from Nigeria follows years of tensions with drivers, including protests over fares and commission rates in 2017, 2023, and 2025.
Uber has denied that its withdrawal is linked to a recent airport access dispute involving the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, describing the decision purely as a business priorities review.
For riders and drivers who built routines around the app, the exit forces an abrupt shift toward alternative e-hailing platforms, and it hands a meaningful opening to competitors looking to absorb the gap Uber leaves behind in both countries.
