Uber has officially ended its operations in Côte d’Ivoire, shutting down services in Abidjan on September 25, 2025. The ride-hailing giant faced stiff competition from rivals like Heetch and Yango, who offered more locally adapted services.
Analysts say Uber’s global business model clashed with local realities such as pricing sensitivity and drivers’ demand for daily earnings. Regulatory hurdles and tensions with traditional taxi operators also made operations difficult. While Uber relied on a standardised approach, competitors integrated solutions like vehicle financing and flexible payment systems. This helped them attract more drivers and passengers in the Ivorian market.
The exit highlights the limits of applying a one-size-fits-all global strategy in diverse economies. Other mobility firms are now expected to expand their presence to fill the gap left by Uber.
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