Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda, drivers face job loss

A United Nations report released tonight warned that the influx of foreign combatants and their support networks is intensifying the conflict in Sudan and aggravating attacks on civilians, while in a separate development Uber announced its exit from the Nigerian and Ugandan markets, leaving thousands of drivers seeking alternative livelihoods. The report, based on field assessments and satellite data, attributes the escalation to cross‑border recruitment and the flow of weapons, calling for stronger regional cooperation to disrupt these channels. Uber’s withdrawal, confirmed by company spokespeople, will affect an estimated 150,000 drivers across the two countries, prompting local authorities and ride‑hailing competitors to explore emergency measures to mitigate the economic impact.

Later in the programme, the cultural segment featured a conversation with Diarah N’Daw‑Spech, co‑director of an upcoming festival, and Laurence Cole, co‑producer of the Nigerian film “Shadow of Greed.” The interview highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing African cinema and the challenges faced by filmmakers in securing distribution and financing amid broader economic disruptions. Both guests emphasized the importance of sustaining creative industries as a means of cultural resilience, concluding that continued support for artistic ventures remains essential despite the region’s ongoing political and economic turbulence.