Why Uber has pulled out of Tanzania after nearly a decade
Ride-hailing firm Uber has exited the Tanzanian market, ending almost 10 years of operations in the country.
In a message sent to customers, Uber said its services officially stopped on January 30, 2026, and that the app would no longer be available in Tanzania. “This chapter comes to an end, but our gratitude to you remains,” the company said, without giving further details about the decision.
Uber launched in Tanzania in June 2016, starting in Dar es Salaam as part of its broader expansion across Africa. The app quickly gained popularity for introducing digital ride-hailing, competitive pricing and cashless payment options.
But Uber’s experience in Tanzania has been marked by regulatory and market challenges.
In April 2022, the company suspended operations after the government introduced new rules, including caps on fares and limits on commissions charged to drivers. Uber said at the time that the regulations created an environment that was difficult for its business model.
“Current regulations… have been a challenge to our business,” the company told users, adding that it hoped to reach an agreement with authorities.
Uber resumed services in early 2023 after adjusting its operations, but it continued to face pressure from ongoing regulation and growing competition from local and regional ride-hailing platforms.
The company’s full exit in 2026 highlights the difficulties international tech firms can face in markets with tight transport controls and rapidly evolving competition.
The company still operates in about 80 countries worldwide, including 11 in Africa.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
