Uber shuts operations in Nigeria and Uganda with immediate effect

Uber has announced it is closing its operations in Nigeria - Africa's most populous country - and the East African nation of Uganda with immediate effect

The global ride-hailing giant said it had come to the "difficult decision" after a thorough review of its business. It began operating in Nigeria in 2014 and in Uganda two years later.

Uber taxi drivers in Nigeria have long complained that prices on the app are too low, given the rising cost of fuel, and that commission charges are too high. The company has also faced pressure from rival platforms.

The announcement came as Uber's chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, said the company was cutting its global workforce by 10%.

Over the last year, Uber has also pulled out of Ivory Coast and Tanzania. The latest announcement means Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are the only African countries in which the firm now operates.

"This decision is limited strictly to these two markets and does not impact our operations across the rest of the continent," Uber's statement to the BBC said.

"We remain committed to sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see strong growth and opportunity."

Over its 12 years operating in Nigeria, Uber had expanded its services. In the commercial hub of Lagos, it launched a boat service in 2019 in an effort to help commuters bypass the city's notorious congestion.