Uber, a leading technology company that connects riders and drivers at the touch of a button has launched operations in Accra, Ghana.
The Ghanaian capital was named as the next city to join Uber’s booming network in Africa at a press conference in Accra today.
The economically vibrant hub is the first city in Ghana to receive the service. With a thriving urban population, Accra’s 2.27 million people will have access to efficient transport through the ride-sharing platform. Uber is excited to explore the potential of this dynamic city.
Uber has proven popular across the world’s cities for its provision of affordable, safe and reliable transport. Through an easy-to-use platform, it connects drivers with riders in real time, at the touch of a button. With over 4 million people using the streets in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Assembly, there is a clear demand for Uber’s services.
The World Bank reports that since 2014, mobile phone penetration exceeded 100% in Ghana, compared to 1% in 2000. The people of Ghana also benefit from increasing availability of high-speed Internet, creating the perfect environment for information technology-enabled services such as Uber.
Speaking at the launch, Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa said “Accra is bustling, connected city that Uber is proud to be launching in. It is rapid growth and multiple ethnic communities make it an exciting place to introduce our service.”
“At Uber, we bring the world closer together by connecting global citizens to transport in a growing number of cities. We see Accra as a natural fit, because its people are willing to embrace innovation and technology and love products that are cool, exclusive and offer a new experience. We are able to deliver just that, safely, reliably and affordably.”
Lits added: “Our platform contributes to a broader evolution in global transportation where riders are empowered to access transport on their terms, in a way that is useful to them and sustainable for our cities. We are excited to add the vibrant, growing economy of Accra to our global network.”
Uber is celebrating its launch in Accra by providing free rides. Ghanaians can try out the new service by accessing their complimentary rides on the Uber app (insert dates and times here).
In addition to the mark that it has made in anchor markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt it announced a plan for expansion into Ghana, Tanzania Uganda earlier this year.
It already opened up its service in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, less than a week ago and is now expected to launch next in Tanzania.
African Eye Report
