Uber has officially shut down operations in Côte d’Ivoire, ending a six-year presence in Abidjan, its first West African city launch back in 2019.
The service went offline on Sept. 24, 2025.
Why it matters
The exit underscores a recurring challenge for global tech giants in Africa: standardized global models often struggle against localized rivals with stronger cultural and regulatory alignment.
By the numbers
- 2019: Uber launched in Abidjan, betting on the city’s fast-growing mobility needs.
- 2: Government-approved competitors now dominate the space — France’s Heetch and Dubai-based Yango.
- Weekly vs. daily payouts: Uber’s system clashed with driver expectations in a cash-sensitive market.
Between the lines
Uber didn’t specify a reason for leaving, but insiders cite:
- Regulatory hurdles and compliance costs.
- High operational expenses.
- Fierce competition from rivals more attuned to local market dynamics.
The big picture
Ride-hailing in Abidjan has long been a flashpoint between tech platforms and traditional taxi operators. Uber’s withdrawal highlights that brand recognition alone can’t guarantee market survival.
Source: Launch Base
