The ride-hailing company is leaving two African markets as rising costs and tougher competition reshape the continent’s transport sector.

Lagos, Nigeria (Running Africa) — Uber has ended its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, marking the latest contraction of the company’s business in Africa and bringing its 12-year presence in the Nigerian market to an end.

The global ride-hailing company stopped accepting trips in Nigeria on September 2 following a review of its operations.

Uber did not provide a specific reason for its exit, but its departure comes as ride-hailing companies in Nigeria contend with high inflation, rising fuel costs, and currency volatility.

The company said its broader commitment to sub-Saharan Africa remains unchanged despite its withdrawal from the two markets.

Uber Ends Nigeria Operations After 12 Years

Uber entered Nigeria in 2014, initially launching in Lagos before expanding into other cities.

Nigeria became an important African market for app-based transport services as millions of urban residents increasingly turned to ride-hailing platforms.

However, difficult economic conditions have placed pressure on both drivers and passengers, with fuel prices and operating costs affecting fares and earnings.

Uber’s departure leaves rivals, including Bolt and inDrive, competing for customers and drivers in one of Africa’s largest transport markets.

The company’s Nigerian help center will remain available until September 23 to assist riders and drivers with outstanding account and service-related issues.

Uber Also Withdraws From Uganda

Uber has simultaneously ended operations in Uganda, where it launched its ride-hailing service in 2016.

The company confirmed its withdrawal after customers began receiving notifications that rides were no longer available on the platform.

The decision ends nearly a decade of Uber operations in the East African country.

As in Nigeria, the company did not provide a detailed explanation of its exit from Uganda.

Uber Reduces Presence in Several African Markets

The Nigeria and Uganda departures follow Uber’s withdrawal from other African markets, including Tanzania and the Ivory Coast, reflecting a reduction in its operational footprint across parts of the continent.

Despite the exits, Uber said it remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa.

The company continues to face a varied operating environment across African markets, where ride-hailing platforms must navigate local regulation, competition, and economic pressures while maintaining affordable fares for customers and sustainable earnings for drivers.

For Nigeria, Uber’s departure closes a chapter that began with its 2014 Lagos launch and helped accelerate the growth of app-based transport services in the country.

With Uber rides no longer available, attention will now turn to how competitors respond and what the exit means for the drivers and passengers who used the platform over the past 12 years.