Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda, drivers face financial strain

Uber announced its exit from the Nigerian and Ugandan markets earlier this month, leaving thousands of riders without the platform’s services and prompting concerns about the future of its local driver community. The company cited regulatory challenges and an inability to achieve sustainable profitability as the primary reasons for the withdrawal. In both countries, Uber’s departure has halted the availability of its app‑based ride‑hailing and food‑delivery options, creating an immediate gap for consumers who had come to rely on the service for daily transportation and logistics.

Drivers who were affiliated with Uber are now confronting rising operating expenses, including higher fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and insurance premiums, which many say have eroded their earnings. Several drivers reported that the loss of Uber’s guaranteed minimum fares and incentive programs has forced them to seek alternative platforms or revert to informal transport methods, often at reduced income levels. Industry analysts note that the exit underscores broader challenges facing ride‑hailing firms in Africa, where fluctuating fuel markets and evolving regulatory environments continue to pressure both providers and independent operators.