Uber celebrates one billion trips in Africa

Uber, the popular ride-hailing platform, has recently celebrated a significant milestone in Africa - surpassing one billion trips on the continent. Frans Hiemstra, the Director and General Manager of Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, recently spoke with CNBC Africa about the company's success and growth in the region. Hiemstra highlighted the unexpected growth in Ghana, where Uber has been operating for six years, noting the market's fantastic product market and high tech adoption as key drivers of success. The company has also tailored its services to meet the diverse needs of different African countries, such as introducing two-wheelers in Kenya and launching Uber Go in Nigeria to cater to more affordable transportation options. Hiemstra emphasized the importance of adapting Uber's global product to suit local markets across Africa. He also addressed key issues such as revenue sharing with drivers and safety concerns, pointing out the company's efforts in ensuring a sustainable platform for both drivers and riders. Uber has implemented various safety features, including in-app emergency buttons and GPS tracking, to enhance security on the platform. Hiemstra acknowledged the competitive market in Sub-Saharan Africa but expressed confidence in Uber's ability to innovate and retain customers through the introduction of new products and features.