Uber Celebrates a Decade in South Africa: A Future Driven by EVs and Diversified Delivery Services

In a significant milestone, Uber South Africa is celebrating a decade of providing ride-hailing services to the South African community. In a recent episode of the Business Day Spotlight podcast, hosted by Mudiwa Gavaza, Uber executives Kagiso Khaole and Nakampe Molewa discussed the company's journey and future strategies.

Khaole, the Uber General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the growing importance of the mobility and delivery sectors. In reflecting on the past ten years, Khaole highlighted Uber's commitment to innovation and adaptation, which has allowed the service to remain a key player in South Africa's transportation landscape.

A pivotal element of Uber's strategy moving forward in South Africa is its focus on electric vehicles (EVs). In tune with its global aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, Uber is set to introduce electric scooters for package delivery services. This eco-friendly initiative signifies Uber's dedication to sustainable development and its role in combating climate change.

Nakampe Molewa, who leads Uber Eats in Sub-Saharan Africa, discussed the evolution of the delivery platform. What began as a simple food delivery service has now grown into a comprehensive logistics business. Uber Eats in South Africa has expanded its offerings to include groceries and a wider range of packages, providing a broader scale of services to its customers.

Striving to be a logistics partner for businesses, both large and small, Uber's operations now significantly contribute to the South African economy. The executives also touched on the potential of subscription services, indicating a direction for future ventures and customer retention strategies.

Through its conversation with Gavaza, Uber executives showcased a profound understanding of the South African market, revealing how they intend to continue adapting their services to meet the evolving needs of South Africans. In doing so, Uber SA is setting itself up for another decade of success, navigating through challenges and embracing technological advancements for a more sustainable and interconnected South Africa.