Global ride-hailing leader Uber Technologies Inc. has officially ceased operations in Côte d’Ivoire, ending a six-year run in the West African nation. The move, which took effect on September 24, marks Uber’s first-ever market withdrawal from the African continent, a significant moment for the company’s regional strategy.
While Uber did not provide a formal explanation for its exit, industry insiders point to a combination of regulatory challenges, driver cash-flow constraints, and limited local adaptation as key factors that ultimately outweighed the company’s brand strength and global reputation.
Uber launched in Abidjan on December 5, 2019, entering a competitive mobility landscape alongside rivals such as Bolt, Yango, and local startup Moja Ride. Over the years, these platforms vied for market share in a city where informal transport systems and cash-based economies dominate.
Despite its global experience, Uber struggled to align its business model with the daily financial realities of Ivorian drivers, many of whom depend on immediate access to earnings to cover fuel, vehicle maintenance, and household expenses. Uber’s payout cycles and commission structures reportedly left many drivers feeling financially strained. Riders also voiced concerns about pricing inconsistencies, vehicle availability, and service reliability, further eroding Uber’s competitive edge.
This is not Uber’s first operational challenge in Africa. In April 2022, the company suspended its services in Tanzania, citing regulatory hurdles. However, Uber continues to operate in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, where it enjoys strong user adoption but still faces persistent tensions with drivers.
In Nigeria, for example, Uber drivers staged multiple protests in 2025 over issues including commission rates, delayed payouts, and policy transparency, highlighting ongoing friction between platform economics and driver livelihoods. Uber’s exit from Côte d’Ivoire underscores a broader lesson for mobility startups and investors eyeing African markets: success hinges on local adaptation, not just brand recognition or global scale.
To thrive in Africa’s transport sector, platforms must design for:
- Cash-sensitive economies
- Flexible and fast driver payouts
- Affordable vehicle financing
- Strong partnerships with local banks and insurers
- Regulatory compliance tailored to local governance structures
With Uber’s departure, competitors like Bolt, Yango, and Moja Ride are now positioned to absorb its market share and deepen their presence in Abidjan. But the exit also sends a clear signal to global investors and founders: Africa’s mobility markets reward companies that build from the ground up, with local realities at the core of their strategy.
