EAST AFRICA – Uber, a ride hailing company, has announced the appointment of Imran Manji as their new Head of East Africa.
He will be responsible for Uber’s business strategy and growth across the region which includes Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Imran previously worked as co-CEO for TowerTech Africa, a leading manufacturer and supplier of towers in East Africa. He has also worked for Bain & Company, a strategy consulting firm.
“I’m honoured to take on this new role, as I have seen and experienced first-hand the transformative impact Uber has had in the region, from increased convenience of mobility and delivery to opening up earning opportunities for drivers and delivery people across the region,” Imran Manji, Head of East Africa at Uber, said.
According to Imran, society has only witnessed the cusp of mobility and innovation in the region, and it is just the beginning.
Locally, we have seen the ride-hailing and e-commerce business grow exponentially over the last few years and we have witnessed a trend for more affordable and sustainable options. In response, Uber is leveraging its technology to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers.
This has been through mobility options like Pool Chance (allowing riders heading in the same direction to share the cost of the journey), and UberPOA, to the ordering of food and essentials from Uber Eats and sending packages via Uber Connect.
“We look forward to having Imran join the Uber Sub-Saharan Africa team. His experience and knowledge of the region will help continue the trajectory of growth of the platform across East Africa,” Frans Hiemstra, General Manager for Sub Saharan Africa, Uber said.
Uber suspends operation in Tanzania
Meanwhile, Uber has suspended its operation in Tanzania after six years of operation.
Uber noted in a statement that they will not operate until an agreement is reached with the authorities
According to Uber, “Current regulations on the transportation sector have created an environment that is not friendly and has been a challenge in our business.”
Uber noted that the suspension is temporary and they are ready to work with the authorities to reach agreement that will have impact in that sector.
“This is a difficult time for all of us, but this does not mean that it is the end of everything. We are ready to co-operate with the relevant authorities and reach agreement that will create stable environment for our business,” reads part of statement.
The said that they will come back and continue to provide reliable transportation for their customers when the issues are settled.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely – for choosing our app to make your trips within Dar es Salaam where we have been providing our services for the past six years,” the statement noted.
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