Uber Expands Services in Sub-Saharan Africa

Uber has launched a series of new products and features in five countries across sub-Saharan Africa, the ride-hailing company announced Tuesday (Sept. 6).

According to a news release, the launch involves South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria and includes an Audio Recording offering, the latest addition to the company’s suite of safety features.

Audio Recording lets riders and drivers use the app to record and share audio of their trip “as evidence in the case of a safety incident — something that drivers have been asking for based on their feedback from roundtable sessions,” the release said.

As PYMNTS reported last month, drivers have good reason to want more safety features. Between the start of 2020 and the mid-point of 2021, 124 rideshare or delivery drivers were victims of carjackings or attempted carjackings, while more than 50 app-based drivers have been killed on the job in the last five years, according to advocacy group Gig Workers Rising.

See also: Crime, Fuel Costs Stymie Ride-Hail Drivers’ Profits

Proposed legislation in Chicago calls for new protections for ride-hailing drivers, including requiring riders to verify their identities and funding for safety equipment like dashboard cameras and protective barriers. Chicago would join Seattle, New York City and Washington state in creating regulations focused on driver safety and improved working conditions.

Meanwhile, Uber will now be operational in eight new cities: Owerri and Akure in Nigeria; Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya; and Tamale and Sunyani in Ghana.

“These expansions are testament to Uber’s commitment to the region and signal more opportunities for more drivers to earn, while riders have convenient and reliable travel options at the tap of a button,” the release said. “In these expansions, Uber brings a diverse product mix that is able to best serve the needs of the city residents.”

The new services include UberX Share in Ghana and Nigeria, and Uber ChapChap Share in Kenya, allowing riders to save up to 30% of the trip fare when matched with another passenger headed in the same direction.

Additionally, UberXL will launch in Nairobi, Kenya, which lets up to six people share a ride. South African riders can now reserve their group travel 30 days in advance with UberXL Reserve and Uber Van Reserve.

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