Township businesses in Gauteng made over R1 billion, thanks to Uber Eats

Gauteng finance MEC Lebogang Maile receives a Certificate of Strategic Partnership from theUber’s Vice President for Delivery in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Saskia de Jongh at Soweto, 3 February 2026, during the celebrations of key milestone in their partnership between Uber Eats and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. The event marks the impact of digitisation , collaboration and the growth of township entrepreneurship. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen Township businesses in Gauteng have generated more than R1 billion in revenue since the partnership between Uber Eats and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development began in 2023.

The partnership was started to successfully implement the Township Development Act by bringing township businesses into the digital economy. Uber and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development held a celebratory event in Soweto on Tuesday to mark milestones in their partnership. Ntsoaki Nsibanyoni, Uber Eats general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, toldThe Citizenthe partnership has unlocked opportunities for the local community.

The agreement focused on digitising township restaurants and food businesses, creating earning opportunities for delivery people, and expanding access to customers beyond traditional walk-in trade. She said when they started the partnership, they wanted to sign at least 600 merchants on Uber Eats; however, they have managed to get more than 2 000 township businesses. So far, this partnership has generated over R1 billion in economic value for township merchants and additional earning opportunities for delivery people, driven by exposure to millions of new eaters across Gauteng.

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“This proves that township economy is a real thing, and can produce tangible results,” she said. “At the same time, over 7 500 delivery people have signed up and have been provided education materials, enabling reliable delivery networks within township areas,” said Nsibanyoni. “Most of the time foreigners tend to take up these opportunities, and part of this program was to make sure local people are not left out, in fact we had to make sure they are the biggest beneficiaries.”

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