Uber Abruptly Exits Nigeria and Uganda Markets Amid Global Workforce Cuts

POLICY WIRE — Lagos, Nigeria — Ride-hailing leader Uber has suddenly terminated its business activities in Uganda and Nigeria, effective immediately. The company stated that the decision to leave...

Editorial Desk

September 3, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Lagos, Nigeria — Ride-hailing leader Uber has suddenly terminated its business activities in Uganda and Nigeria, effective immediately.

The company stated that the decision to leave Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, followed a comprehensive evaluation of its business operations.

This abrupt withdrawal occurred on Wednesday, coinciding with a separate announcement from Uber regarding plans to reduce its global headcount by approximately 10 percent.

The exit marks the end of a 12-year tenure in Nigeria, where the company first debuted in Lagos in 2014, and a 10-year presence in Uganda, where it expanded into Kampala.

Official records indicate the closure took effect on September 2, 2026, removing the giant from two of the earliest African markets it ever penetrated.

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The sudden nature of the shutdown led to reports on social media suggesting that some drivers and passengers were still engaged in active trips when the service ceased.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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