The rise of the internet and new technologies is gradually transforming the habits of African consumers and promoting the Uberization of certain activities. International startups are inventing their future on the continent and exploring new opportunities there.
Established since 2016 in the East African market, in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala… Uber is now eyeing development opportunities in French-speaking West Africa.
On December 5, the American startup launched its operations in Côte d'Ivoire, with the Ivorian economic capital, Abidjan, being the first city to benefit from the ride-hailing service.
Beyond competitors such as Taxijet, which is already established in the market, Uber is becoming operational in Côte d'Ivoire a few months after the launch of the French company Heetch, whose motorcycle taxi service has been suspended.
The launch of operations will begin with metered taxis in Abidjan, and payment methods will include cash to circumvent issues related to banking and online payment. Uber is now established in some 15 countries on the continent and is eyeing opportunities to launch in Senegal, in the city of Dakar.