Uber has announced that it will shut down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda immediately. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, and Uganda are both significant markets for the ride-hailing company, which had operated in Nigeria since 2014 and Uganda since 2016. Uber stated that the decision came after a thorough review of its business and was described as "difficult." The company is also undergoing a global restructuring, cutting 10% of its workforce, which amounts to over 3,000 jobs worldwide. This move follows Uber's recent exits from Ivory Coast and Tanzania, leaving Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa as the only African countries where it currently operates. Uber's departure from Nigeria and Uganda comes amid growing challenges in the region. Nigerian drivers have long criticized the app for setting fares too low, especially as fuel costs have risen sharply. This issue has been compounded by high commission fees charged by Uber, which many drivers say reduce their earnings. Additionally, local and international competitors such as Bolt and inDrive have been gaining traction, increasing pressure on Uber. In recent years, Nigerian drivers have staged protests over poor working conditions, low pay, and rising costs, which have made the market increasingly difficult for ride-hailing companies. In Nigeria, Uber had expanded its services over the years, including launching a boat service in Lagos in 2019 to help commuters avoid the city's severe traffic congestion. Lagos, one of Africa's largest cities, is known for its chronic traffic problems, which have made alternative transportation solutions necessary. However, the removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy in 2023, following President Bola Tinubu’s election, led to a sharp rise in the cost of living. This was further exacerbated by increased petrol prices due to geopolitical tensions, such as the U.S. conflict with Iran, making the economic environment even more challenging for ride-hailing services. Uber said it would support affected employees and drivers in Nigeria and Uganda, with its help center remaining open until September 23 to address any outstanding issues. In Uganda, the departure is expected to impact commuters in the capital, Kampala, but local and international ride-hailing apps like Faras, Bolt, and SafeBoda are likely to step in to fill the gap. Despite the exit from these two countries, Uber emphasized that its commitment to sub-Saharan Africa remains strong, where it continues to see growth and opportunities.