Uber ceases operations in Tanzania as pricing rules squeeze ride-hailing model
Although the market is not favourable, local players are more active and flexible with the local market conditions. But Uber can't find its path.
Uber ceases operations in Tanzania as pricing rules squeeze ride-hailing model
Years of clashes over fares, commissions and regulatory control are what the global ride-hailing company, Uber , has been facing in Tanzania for a long time. The company has informed both drivers and riders through the Uber app that its services would no longer be available in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, Mwanza, and Zanzibar, as of January 30, 2026. Uber expressed regret for the disruption and thanked customers for using its platform for nearly a decade. “After careful consideration, Uber has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Uber App services in Tanzania from 30 January 2026,” the company said in a message to customers last week. The company’s exit highlights how far a global ride-hailing model built on flexible pricing can work under strict, state-controlled fare rules. Uber's departure has created more space for local and regional platforms such as Little and Bolt, which have proven more capable of adjusting their operations to fit Tanzania’…
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Temmy Samuel is an aspiring BSc Accounting graduate, financial writer, tech journalist, and the publisher of Finng Daily, a financial and business reporting publication, as well as BigSwich, a tech news platform. Learn more about Temmy Samuel.
