Uber injects R17bn into South Africa's economy

Uber recently released its inaugural South Africa Impact Report, unveiling a significant R17 billion contribution to the country's economy in 2023. This milestone showcases the far-reaching impact of Uber's operations across various sectors. Tinashe Nyatsambo, Marketplace Ops Lead for Uber Eats SA, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the key drivers behind this monumental contribution. The report highlights the vital role played by drivers, delivery partners, merchants, and consumers, all of whom have benefited from Uber's services. In 2023, drivers and delivery partners earned an additional R2.3 billion, emphasizing Uber's commitment to ensuring sustainable earnings for its workforce. Meanwhile, merchant partners saw a 1.6 billion increase in value, reflecting the platform's extensive reach in servicing over 80% of the urban population in South Africa. The combined impact across merchants, drivers, and delivery partners has created over 1 million economic opportunities, underlining the scale of Uber's influence on both the rides and Eats lines of business. Additionally, Uber's contribution extends beyond the realm of commerce to encompass the travel, tourism, and nighttime economy sectors. The company's support has injected over 400 million rands into the nighttime economy and contributed an additional 1 billion rands to tourism in South Africa. These figures underscore Uber's significant role in bolstering key industries and driving economic growth in the country. Looking ahead, Uber is focused on leveraging insights gained from interactions with stakeholders to shape its future strategy. By prioritizing investment in technology and sustainability initiatives, Uber aims to enhance operational efficiencies, improve safety standards, and ensure sustainable earnings for its workforce. Notably, Uber is also a key player in the gig economy, offering individuals tech-enabled economic opportunities and the flexibility to earn additional income. This approach has proved particularly beneficial for female earners, with female driver numbers quadrupling over time. The platform provides a valuable avenue for individuals, including youth and parents, to garner skills, supplement their income, and achieve work-life balance. As Uber continues to expand its presence in South Africa and beyond, its commitment to driving social and economic impact remains unwavering.