African leaders who dilute workers’ rights for Uber’s digital empire harm Africa

During a decade on the continent, Uber has often cut drivers’ pay and added little value to local economies. Governments should admit it is not economic progress but imperial exploitation

This year will mark a decade of Uber’s operations in Africa. The ride-hailing service entered Johannesburg in August 2013 – one of its earliest forays outside the US – and now operates in dozens of cities across eight African countries.

But if Uber plans to celebrate this milestone, it will do so under a cloud of controversy. Many of the ruthless practices highlighted in last year’s explosive leak, dubbed the Uber files, were honed in African markets in particular. The documents revealed how Uber forced its way into economies while sometimes ignoring local laws. Uber spokespeople have since claimed that the company culture has changed under new leadership.