
Moove, the Nigerian-founded mobility unicorn that served as Uber’s vehicle financing partner across sub-Saharan Africa, is reportedly weighing an exit from the Nigerian market following Uber’s exit from the country. The company began providing new cars to Nigerian Uber drivers five years ago through payment plans based on drivers’ daily earnings. It has since diversified its products, including managing robotaxis in the United States for companies such as Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle operator. However, Uber’s departure from Nigeria makes its original business model untenable, at least in the West African country. Moove’s possible withdrawal from Nigeria highlights the challenges facing businesses whose operations depend on major platform partners. The possible withdrawal would also mark a potential setback for a company that had become a notable example of African technology entrepreneurship and international expansion.
