Uber has officially ceased operations in Tanzania as of January 30, 2026, ending its ride-hailing services in the country.
The company announced the decision, expressing regret for the disruption to daily commuters and thanking Tanzanians for their support since the launch of its services in Dar es Salaam.
“We have difficult news. Starting today, 30 Jan 2026, Uber services will no longer be available in Tanzania. We know this may be disappointing, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” the company wrote to its clients.
Since entering the Tanzanian market, the transport company has provided residents with an alternative means of transport, offering safe, reliable, and affordable rides across the city. The service had become an integral part of daily commuting for many urban residents.
The company emphasised that while its operations in Tanzania are ending, it remains grateful to its customers for welcoming its app and being part of its history in the country.
“This chapter comes to an end, but our gratitude to you remains. Thank you for welcoming the Uber App into your lives and for being part of our history in Tanzania,” the company noted.
Uber-Tanzania Operations
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Uber primarily operated in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest commercial city, and Arusha, a major tourist hub. The company has a digital fleet of at least 1,500 drivers across the country.
The ride-hailing service faced increasing competition from other digital platforms, including Bolt, In-Drive, and Farasi.
Local Tanzanian media reports suggest that this competition contributed to Uber’s decision to exit the Tanzanian market.
The closure of Uber’s company services is expected to affect employment, leaving thousands of drivers without their primary source of income.
Many drivers relied on the platform for daily earnings, and its exit adds pressure on local transport operators and the digital ride-hailing sector.
Also Read: Uber And Bolt Put on Notice in Kenya Over Exploitation of Drivers
History
The operators launched in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on June 15, 2016, marking its fourth East African city after Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kampala.
By 2018, it held ~70% of the market, with 1,300 drivers, offering cash payments alongside mobile money at a rate of TZS 466/km.
In March 2022, LATRA imposed fare caps (TSh 900/km, TSh 100/min, TSh 3,000 minimum) and a 15% commission limit, prompting Uber to suspend operations on April 14, 2022, citing an “unfriendly business environment.”
Uber resumed operations in January 2023 with UberX and UberXL after regulatory negotiations, emphasising safety features and driver earnings.
Bolt remained the dominant competitor throughout, capturing market share during Uber’s absence; Uber fully exited again via customer app notification on January 30, 2026.
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