Uber has ended its six-year presence in Côte d’Ivoire, its first withdrawal from Africa since entering the continent. The company launched in Abidjan in 2019 but officially ceased operations on September 24, 2025. The closure leaves the local ride-hailing market to rivals Yango and Heetch, both of which are authorized operators in the country.
Uber’s Market Struggles
The exit followed years of difficulties adapting to local conditions, including regulatory friction, high operating costs, and stiff competition. Uber’s global model proved mismatched with Abidjan’s market, where affordability and flexibility play a central role. Its inability to adjust to these factors limited both driver engagement and passenger adoption.
Passenger and Driver Discontent
Users often reported dissatisfaction with Uber’s higher fares compared to competitors and inconsistent vehicle availability. Drivers faced challenges with the company’s weekly payout system, which conflicted with the need for daily access to cash in a cash-sensitive economy. These gaps created an environment in which other platforms with more adaptable models thrived.
Regional Context
Uber’s departure in Côte d’Ivoire mirrors earlier struggles in other African markets. The company suspended operations in Tanzania in 2022 and has faced repeated driver protests in Nigeria over commissions and payout cycles. These challenges highlight the broader reality that standardized global models often fail to align with the unique structures of African economies.
A Shift in the Mobility Landscape
With Uber gone, Abidjan’s ride-hailing market has narrowed to Yango and Heetch as the dominant players. Both competitors have focused on strategies that better reflect the needs of local drivers and passengers. Their emphasis on payout flexibility, affordability, and localized services has enabled them to strengthen their position in the city.
Yango’s Vertical Integration Strategy
In September 2025, Yango introduced Yango Motors, a division distributing Chinese brands Bestune and Kaiyi in Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative directly addresses one of the sector’s largest barriers by improving access to affordable and reliable vehicles. By pairing vehicle distribution with financing partnerships and after-sales support, Yango has embedded itself deeper into the transport value chain.
Long-Term Vision
Yango’s expansion signals a broader ambition to move beyond ride-hailing and shape the entire mobility ecosystem. Its strategy involves offering vehicles to both drivers and the wider public, while gradually introducing electric models to diversify transport options. This approach positions the company as more than a platform, redefining its role as a provider of integrated mobility solutions.
Uber’s closure in Côte d’Ivoire underscores the difficulties of scaling standardized global models in Africa’s dynamic markets. At the same time, Yango’s vertical integration highlights how companies that adapt to local conditions can establish stronger and more sustainable operations. As Abidjan’s transport landscape evolves, success will depend on the ability to align with economic realities and deliver solutions tailored to the city’s unique context.