Uber has stopped operating in Tanzania, ending its ride hailing service on January 30, 2026, after years of friction with transport regulators over fares and commissions. The exit highlights the difficulty global platforms face in markets where the state plays a strong role in setting prices.
In a message to users, Uber said it had taken a difficult decision to discontinue its app in Tanzania while reaffirming its commitment to Africa. The company has operated in the country for nearly a decade, with Dar es Salaam as its main market.
The decision follows a long running standoff with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority, which treats ride hailing as a regulated transport service rather than an open marketplace, with the authority setting guide fares, minimum prices, and caps commissions platforms can charge drivers.
For companies that rely on flexible pricing and incentives to balance supply and demand, those limits have constrained core parts of the business model. Tensions peaked in 2022 when commissions were capped at 15 percent and booking fees were removed, prompting Uber to suspend services before returning under revised rules in 2023.
This time, the company has chosen to exit. Its departure leaves more room for regional players such as Bolt and Little, which have adjusted to local rules by focusing on lower commissions, cash payments, and corporate clients.
While drivers keep a larger share of each trip under the current framework, reduced competition may mean fewer incentives and promotions. Demand for app based rides remains strong, but Tanzania’s market now reflects a model where regulation shapes the economics of every trip.