Ride-hailing firm Uber has officially exited the Tanzanian market, ending almost ten years of operations in the country. The company informed users that its services ceased on January 30, 2026, marking a quiet withdrawal from one of East Africa’s most competitive ride-hailing landscapes.
Uber entered Tanzania in 2016 as part of its broader African expansion, positioning itself as a technology-driven alternative to traditional taxi services. Over the years, it built a presence mainly in Dar es Salaam, where demand for app-based transport grew alongside rising smartphone adoption and urban congestion.
However, the market became increasingly challenging. Uber faced stiff competition from regional and local ride-hailing platforms offering lower fares and more flexible commission structures for drivers. Regulatory pressures, fare controls, and disputes over driver earnings further strained operations, reducing profitability and limiting growth prospects.
Industry observers say Uber’s exit reflects a broader recalibration of strategy in Africa, where the company has increasingly focused on markets with clearer regulatory frameworks and stronger revenue potential. Tanzania joins a list of African countries where global ride-hailing firms have struggled to sustain long-term operations amid intense price competition and evolving transport policies.
Uber has not provided a detailed public explanation for the decision beyond notifying customers of the service shutdown. The exit leaves room for local operators and regional competitors to consolidate their positions in Tanzania’s ride-hailing sector, which continues to evolve despite the departure of one of the world’s most recognisable platforms.
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