Uber Exits Tanzanian Market After Nearly 10 Years of Operations
Dar es Salaam – Ride-hailing company Uber has officially withdrawn from the Tanzanian market, with services ending on January 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of nearly a decade of operations in the country.
Users received notification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, confirming that the Uber app would no longer be available in Tanzania. The company apologized for the inconvenience and expressed gratitude to customers for their support throughout the years.
"This chapter comes to an end, but our gratitude to you remains," the company stated, without publicly disclosing specific reasons for the withdrawal.
Uber launched its Tanzanian operations in June 2016, beginning services in Dar es Salaam as part of its broader expansion across African markets. The platform initially gained popularity for introducing app-based ride-hailing services, cashless payment options, and competitive pricing, particularly among urban commuters.
The company’s presence in Tanzania faced significant challenges over the years. In April 2022, Uber suspended operations following the introduction of government regulations that included caps on fares and commissions.
During that suspension, the company indicated that the regulatory environment had become challenging for its business model, stating it would halt services until reaching an agreement with authorities.
"Current regulations on the transportation sector have created an environment that is not friendly and has been a challenge to our business," Uber communicated to customers at the time.
The company operated UberX, UberX Saver, and UberXL services in Tanzania before the 2022 suspension, which was initially described as temporary. Uber expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities to establish a stable business environment.
Services resumed in early 2023 after the company adjusted its business model. However, increasing competition from local and regional ride-hailing platforms, combined with ongoing regulatory pressures, continued to impact operations.
Despite the 2023 return, Uber has now made the decision to permanently exit the market. In its final message to users, the company thanked Tanzanian customers for using its services in Dar es Salaam, where it maintained operations for approximately six years.
Uber currently operates in about 80 countries worldwide, including 11 African nations.
