DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Uber has officially ceased operations in Tanzania as of January 30, 2026, closing a decade-long chapter of ride-hailing convenience in the country’s largest cities.
The company announced the decision with regret, thanking Tanzanians for their support since its 2016 launch in Dar es Salaam. “This chapter comes to an end, but our gratitude to you remains,” Uber wrote to customers, noting the service had become part of daily commuting for many urban residents.
so Uber gave up on Tanzania? and left the market…. pic.twitter.com/w4EpYXgT1R
— Benjamin Fernandes 🇹🇿 (@Benji_Fernandes) January 31, 2026
Impact on Travel and Leisure
Uber’s exit affects both residents and visitors who relied on the app for safe, reliable, and affordable transport. In Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub, and Arusha, a gateway to Tanzania’s safari circuit, Uber offered a digital fleet of more than 1,500 drivers. For tourists, the app provided a familiar way to navigate bustling streets and reach leisure destinations with ease.
Competition and Market Shifts
Local reports suggest rising competition from platforms such as Bolt, In-Drive, and Farasi contributed to Uber’s withdrawal. Bolt, already dominant during Uber’s earlier suspension in 2022, is expected to consolidate its position in Tanzania’s ride-hailing market.
Regulatory Challenges
Uber’s history in Tanzania was marked by regulatory hurdles. In 2022, fare caps and commission limits imposed by LATRA forced Uber to suspend services, citing an “unfriendly business environment.” The company later resumed operations in 2023 with UberX and UberXL, but struggled to regain market share.
Uber’s departure leaves thousands of drivers without a primary income source and reshapes Tanzania’s urban mobility landscape. For travelers, it signals a shift toward local platforms and traditional transport options in one of East Africa’s most visited destinations.
