BREAKING: Uber rolls out two wheeler service in Johannesburg, eyes untapped South African market

Mobility giant Uber is accelerating its push into Africa’s two-wheeler market with the launch of UberMoto in Johannesburg, targeting an underserved segment in a nation where motorcycle taxis have yet to gain widespread formal traction.

The ride-hailing giant said its two-wheeler option aims to solve “first- and last-mile” transportation gaps in South Africa’s economic hub, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative, particularly in areas with limited public transit. This contrasts sharply with many other African countries where motorcycle taxis – colloquially known as “boda-bodas” or “okadas” – are a staple of urban mobility.

“This launch isn’t just about affordability; it’s about bringing safe, scalable mobility options closer to the people who need them most,” stated Deepesh Thomas, Director General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa.

While a 2022 FIA Foundation report estimated 27 million registered motorcycles in sub-Saharan Africa, with 80% used for taxi or delivery services, South Africa’s urban centres have not seen a formally recognised motorcycle taxi industry emerge on a similar scale.

Uber’s strategic deployment of UberMoto in Johannesburg signals an intent to cultivate this nascent market. The company is vying for a piece of the broader Sub-Saharan African two-wheeler market, valued at an estimated $815.49 million in 2024. This market is forecast to surge to $1.51 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.80%, according to industry projections.

*This is a developing story