Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced that it will wind down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda from Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The company said the decision followed a comprehensive review of its businesses in the two countries. It did not disclose the specific commercial, regulatory or operational factors behind the withdrawal.
“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said.
The company clarified that the decision was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect its services in other African markets.
Uber said its immediate priority was to support drivers, riders and employees affected by the withdrawal. It did not provide details on the number of jobs and driver accounts involved or explain what financial assistance would be available during the transition.
The announcement leaves questions about how pending trips, driver earnings, customer refunds, outstanding disputes and data held on the platform will be managed. Further information is expected to be communicated directly to affected users and workers.
Uber entered Nigeria through Lagos in 2014 before expanding to Abuja. Its arrival helped accelerate the adoption of app-based transportation and created flexible earning opportunities for thousands of drivers.
The company launched in Kampala, Uganda, in June 2016 as part of its expansion across sub-Saharan Africa.
Its withdrawal is expected to strengthen the position of competing platforms, including Bolt and inDrive, alongside smaller local ride-hailing operators. Drivers previously operating on multiple applications may shift more of their activity to the remaining platforms.
Riders could also experience changes in waiting times, fares and promotional offers, depending on how quickly competitors absorb Uber’s customers and drivers.
Uber’s exit comes after more than a decade in Nigeria and about 10 years in Uganda. The company once said its platform contributed an estimated N34 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023, based on a study conducted by Public First.
Its African operations have nevertheless faced persistent challenges involving driver earnings, commissions, fuel prices, regulation and intense competition. Uber also withdrew from Tanzania in January 2026.
