Uber’s Surprise Departure from West African Market

In a move that surprised both users and industry observers, Uber officially ceased operations in Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, 2025, marking the complete withdrawal of the ride-hailing giant from its first African market after six years of operation. The company, which had launched in Abidjan in December 2019, exited quietly without an official public statement, leaving the Ivorian commercial capital’s mobility landscape to competitors including Yango, Heetch, inDrive, and local player Moja Ride .

This departure represents more than just a corporate retreat—it highlights the ongoing challenges global tech platforms face when adapting to African markets characterized by unique cash-flow requirements, regulatory frameworks, and competitive dynamics. With Abidjan’s daily transportation needs encompassing millions of trips, Uber’s exit has created both disruption and opportunity in one of West Africa’s most vibrant urban centers .

The New Competitive Landscape in Abidjan

Yango: Establishing Market Presence

Backed by the global tech company Yango Group, this platform has established a significant foothold in Abidjan with its multi-service approach that includes ride-hailing, food delivery, and parcel services. Operating in 25 countries worldwide with over 630 million rides completed since its launch, Yango brings substantial technical infrastructure and resources to the Ivorian market .

The service offers multiple vehicle classes ranging from Economy to premium GOYA options, with safety features including route sharing, an SOS button, and 24/7 support . Through its partnership with GO Ivory Coast, Yango has established a structured pricing model that varies based on distance, time, and demand factors .

Heetch: Flexible Payment Options

Heetch has positioned itself as a friendlier, more flexible alternative to traditional ride-hailing services, emphasizing its acceptance of both cash and card payments—a critical feature in cash-dependent economies. The platform operates in multiple African cities including Abidjan, Dakar, and Bamako, maintaining consistent service across borders with the same user account .

The company promotes its transparent pricing model that shows estimates before booking and emphasizes fair commission rates for drivers. However, some user reviews highlight inconsistencies in driver navigation and safety concerns, particularly for female passengers who have requested gender-based driver options .

inDrive: Innovative Negotiation Model

The newest entrant to Abidjan’s ride-hailing scene, inDrive launched its service with a unique fare negotiation system that allows passengers to propose prices to drivers, who can then accept, counter, or decline the offer . This approach directly addresses power imbalances common in traditional ride-hailing platforms where algorithms unilaterally determine pricing.

During its first six months of operation, inDrive is implementing a zero-commission policy for drivers, allowing them to retain 100% of their earnings—a significant advantage over competitors. The platform also prioritizes safety with rigorous driver background checks, real-time GPS tracking, and an emergency button connecting users to local authorities .

Pricing Breakdown: Comparing Ride Options in Abidjan

Table: Comprehensive Pricing Comparison of Abidjan Ride-Hailing Services

Service Provider Service Tiers Starting Fare Per Kilometer Rate Per Minute Rate Unique Features

Yango Economy 550 CFA 130 CFA (city) 200 CFA (suburbs) 35 CFA Most established infrastructure
Comfort Higher than Economy Higher than Economy Higher than Economy Premium everyday option

Comfort+ Higher than Comfort Higher than Comfort Higher than Comfort Extra legroom, newer cars

GOYA Premium pricing Premium pricing Premium pricing Professional drivers, luxury service

Heetch Standard Not specified Not specified Not specified Pre-trip price estimates, cash payments accepted

inDrive Standard Passenger-proposed fares Passenger-proposed fares Passenger-proposed fares Fare negotiation, zero commissions (first 6 months)

Market Implications and Regional Lessons

Driver Economics: The Core Challenge

Uber’s departure from Côte d’Ivoire reveals fundamental mismatches between global business models and local economic realities. Ivorian drivers typically require daily access to earnings for immediate expenses like fuel, vehicle maintenance, and household needs. Uber’s standardized payout cycles and commission structures created cash flow constraints that made operations unsustainable for many drivers .

This economic friction isn’t unique to Côte d’Ivoire—Nigerian drivers staged multiple protests in 2025 over similar issues regarding commission rates and delayed payments. Meanwhile, inDrive’s temporary zero-commission model and Yango’s partnership with local transportation companies demonstrate alternative approaches that better align with driver financial needs in these markets .

Regulatory Environment and Local Adaptation

Uber’s complete withdrawal from Côte d’Ivoire follows a similar pattern to its April 2022 exit from Tanzania, where regulatory challenges prompted operational suspension. Without official confirmation, industry observers note that regulatory friction likely contributed to the decision to leave the Ivorian market .

The remaining competitors now face the same regulatory landscape but may benefit from more flexible approaches to compliance and partnership building with local authorities. The success of homegrown platform Moja Ride alongside international alternatives suggests that local knowledge and relationships provide significant competitive advantages in navigating regulatory complexity .

The Future of Urban Mobility in West Africa

Uber’s departure from Côte d’Ivoire creates both challenges and opportunities for Abidjan’s urban transportation ecosystem. The city’s 10 million daily trips represent substantial market potential for the remaining competitors, but capturing this demand requires business models tailored to local realities rather than global templates .

The critical question is whether Yango, Heetch, inDrive, and local services can build sustainable operations while meeting driver income expectations and providing affordable, reliable service to riders. Their success or failure will offer valuable insights for mobility companies across Africa, where urban transportation remains both a critical necessity and a formidable business challenge.

For now, Abidjan’s ride-hailing market enters a new phase of competition and consolidation, with Uber’s exit serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of local adaptation in global platform expansion.