By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Uber’s GM for sub-Saharan Africa, Deepesh Thomas.
Uber has pledged R5-billion in investment in South Africa over the next three years, towards improving South Africa’s mobility, delivery and digital economy.
The pledge was announced at the South African Investment Conference (SAIC) on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Uber’s GM for sub-Saharan Africa, Deepesh Thomas said, “Today, I am incredibly proud to share that Uber is pledging R5 billion ($300 million) over the next few years to accelerate South Africa’s mobility and delivery ecosystems. This commitment is a vote of confidence in the South African “hustle” and a primary contribution toward the national goal of mobilising R2 trillion in new investment.
See the full comment below by Deepesh to Fullview:
A Foundation of Shared Success
Our journey in South Africa began over a decade ago. Since then, we have seen the transformative power of a platform that bridges the gap between unemployment and opportunity. Since 2023, Uber contributes more than an estimated R17 billion annually to the national GDP. We have moved beyond being a “tech app” to becoming a critical layer of the country’s transport and economic infrastructure.
Through our work with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, we’ve helped digitise over 2,000 township businesses, generating R1 billion in value for local merchants. These aren’t just statistics; they represent the formalisation of an economy that was previously underserved. Our new R5 billion pledge aims to scale this impact even further, targeting a total annual economic contribution of R50 billion in the near future.
The “License to Earn”
However, capital alone does not create growth; an enabling environment does. In my engagements with government stakeholders, I am consistently encouraged by our shared vision: a South Africa where innovation is protected by clear, fair, and forward-looking regulation.
For a driver-partner, an operating license is more than a regulatory requirement – it is a #LicenseToEarn. It represents the dignity of legal work and the security of knowing their livelihood is protected. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the Department of Transport and local authorities to streamline these processes.
Our goal is collaborative. We support a regulatory framework that accommodates the unique nature of the platform economy – one that maintains the flexibility independent earners prize while ensuring high standards of safety and reliability. By creating smart regulations for smart technologies, together, we can ensure that every compliant earner secures their permit efficiently, moving us away from the friction of impoundments and toward the fluid movement of people and goods.
Innovation Tailored for Africa
A significant portion of our investment will flow into local innovation. South Africa is a unique market that demands local solutions. We are expanding Uber Moto to provide affordable, last-mile connectivity in areas where traditional public transport may not reach. We are also doubling down on our “Green” initiatives, partnering with fleet providers to accelerate the rollout of Electric Vehicles and alternative vehicle financing models, such as our work with Moove.
These initiatives are designed to lower the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs. Whether it is through fuel rebates, maintenance discounts, or health cover partnerships, our investment is focused on reducing the “cost of doing business” for the 100,000+ earners who call our platform home.
A Partnership for the Long Haul
To the South African government, our message is simple: We are here to stay. We recognise the challenges of the current geopolitical and economic climate, but we also see the immense potential of this nation’s digital transition.
We view this R5 billion pledge as a partnership agreement. On our side, we bring the technology, the global expertise, and the capital to scale earning opportunities. In return, we look to the government to provide the regulatory certainty that allows this investment to breathe.
When we align our goals, the results are profound. We aren’t just moving cars and food; we are moving the needle on addressing unemployment and financial inclusion.
As we look toward the remainder of 2026 and beyond, Uber remains a committed ally in South Africa’s growth story. Let us move from mobilisation to implementation, ensuring that the digital economy becomes a doorway to prosperity for every South African.