Ride‑hailing firm Uber has ended its services in Tanzania, the company confirmed, ceasing operations on January 30, 2026 after almost ten years in the East African market. The move leaves users and drivers in cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha without access to Uber’s platform.
Uber sent a notice to its customers notifying them that its services would no longer be available, apologising for any disruption and thanking users for their support. The company did not provide further details on whether it might return to Tanzania in the future.
Industry analysts say Uber’s departure stems from a difficult regulatory environment enforced by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) and strong competition from rival ride‑hailing platforms, particularly Bolt, which has expanded aggressively in Tanzania. During earlier regulatory disputes in 2022, Uber previously suspended services before resuming in 2023.
Market observers note that Uber’s exit is likely to benefit local operators and smaller ride-hailing platforms who can now capture a larger share of the urban transport market. Bolt, already the largest ride-hailing app in Tanzania, is expected to see increased demand, while platforms such as inDrive could gain new customers seeking alternatives. Drivers previously affiliated with Uber will face the challenge of transitioning to other platforms, which may temporarily affect earnings.
Some passengers expressed disappointment at Uber’s departure, citing reliability, safety, and convenience as reasons for preferring the service. Meanwhile, LATRA officials stated that the regulatory framework in Tanzania aims to ensure fair competition, safety standards, and pricing transparency across all ride-hailing services. Uber’s exit underscores the difficulty international operators can face when local compliance and competition dynamics are challenging.
Analysts believe Uber’s decision in Tanzania may influence its regional strategy across East Africa, where the company competes with established rivals in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Experts suggest that Uber may now focus on consolidating operations in markets with clearer regulatory environments and higher profit margins.
