The World's Largest Ride-Sharing Company, Uber Celebrates one billionth Ride Milestone in Africa
Uber Technologies Inc., the world’s largest ride-sharing company announced that it has achieved a billion trips in Africa since entering the market less than 10 years ago. According to the mobility company, over 10 billion kilometers of trips have been completed, and “this is equivalent to traveling to the moon and back over 5500 times.”
In that same period, Uber and Uber Eats have collectively reached over 30 million riders and eaters in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Head of Communications for East and West Africa at Uber, Lorraine Onduru, said: “Since entering the market in 2013, we have created over 6 million economic opportunities in over 50 cities across Sub-Saharan Africa that we are present in. We pride ourselves in building locally using global expertise. Each country’s needs are unique so we take the time to understand each of the market’s needs so we can be responsive and adapt accordingly.”
Uber has so far expanded to over 21 cities in South Africa, two cities in Ghana (Cape Coast and Takoradi), and four cities/areas for delivery in Kenya (Nakuru, Ongata Rongai, Syokimau, and Kitengela), with plans to launch in more regional towns and cities this year. This month, Uber in Nigeria expanded to four new cities including Uyo, Warri, Enugu, and Kano, and in June, Uber will officially mark six years in Ghana, another testament to the role Uber plays as a partner to the cities it operates in.
“We’ve expanded our offerings in markets where we currently operate, innovating with new business models to serve to change needs. The focus for Uber in Africa as it embarks on the next one billion trips is to continue unlocking opportunities through movement and changing how people, food, and things move through cities,” Onduru said.
Uber Eats has increased its number of restaurants from 1000 since it was launched six years ago in South Africa, to over 8000 merchants across 36 cities in South Africa and Kenya.
“While each country offers its unique opportunities, we have found the region to be defined by agility, creativity, and adaptability. This provides Uber with the perfect conditions to launch and nurture our on-demand economy in collaboration with the local partners to adopt a global business model into an African environment with diverse political, business, and socio-economic dynamics,” he explained.
Given the rising security challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, the safety of both Uber drivers and their passengers must be guaranteed at all times.
“We are certainly excited about the future, especially because next year, we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary in Sub-Saharan Africa. We continue to remain committed to raising the bar on safety, helping drivers and delivery people grow their businesses, as well as improving the experience of riders,” Onduru added.