Uber’s Côte d’Ivoire Exit Reveals The Limits Of A Global Playbook

Uber Technologies Inc. has ceased operations in Côte d’Ivoire, the company has confirmed, ending a six-year presence in its first French-speaking African market and underscoring the challenges global tech firms face in adapting to local realities on the continent.

The ride-hailing giant notified users that its app would become unavailable as of September 25, expressing regret for the inconvenience but not detailing its reasons.

The withdrawal, however, follows a period of intense competition and operational friction. Analysts reckon that Uber’s standardised global model struggled against rivals offering more localised solutions, particularly in pricing and driver payment systems.

Uber entered the Ivorian commercial capital of Abidjan in 2019, quickly attracting an urban clientele seeking safe, reliable transport. Yet, it failed to consolidate its foothold.

Industry observers point to a critical mismatch with driver needs. Unlike some competitors that offer daily payouts, Uber operated on a weekly payment cycle, a significant disadvantage in a cash-flow-sensitive market where drivers cover daily expenses.

This occurred alongside a regulatory tightening. In January 2025, Ivorian authorities officially authorised only three platforms to operate: Uber, France’s Heetch, and Dubai-headquartered Yango. Despite this formal recognition, Uber’s model proved less resilient.

The company faced pressure not only from app-based rivals like Russia’s Indrive but also from traditional taxi operators who had long criticised a perceived lack of regulation for digital platforms.

While Uber exits, its rivals are deepening their investment, with one taking a radically different approach. In a strategic move just weeks before Uber’s departure, Yango launched Yango Motors, a new venture acting as an official distributor for Chinese car brands Bestune and Kaiyi in Côte d’Ivoire.

This vertical integration aims to solve a fundamental bottleneck for drivers, providing access to affordable and reliable vehicles. The initiative, complete with financing partnerships and after-sales support, shifts Yango from a software intermediary to a full-stack mobility provider.

The departure of Uber leaves a customer base up for grabs in a market with demonstrated potential. A World Bank report cited that over 10 million trips are made daily in Abidjan, representing a significant daily expenditure.

The competition to capture Uber’s former users now hinges on which company can most effectively solve the foundational, real-world problems of transportation in Côte d’Ivoire.