Uber contributed 5,500C to the Bangladesh economy in 2024, according to the app’s Economic Impact Report 2024 released on Tuesday.
Uber users have also saved over 1.1 million work hours, with a monetary value of Tk94 crore, in 2024 by using the platform on their work-related trips.
The platform, however, did not disclose its total revenue earned from Bangladesh.
Compiled by Public First, a global research and strategic consultancy organization, the Uber report highlights the platform’s role in supporting economic growth in Bangladesh.
“With a growing population of 170 million people, Bangladesh’s tech revolution is particularly helpful when it comes to transport infrastructure. Our research found that only 30% of Bangladeshis own or have access to a car, highlighting the critical need for alternative options,” said the report.
Amy Price, director & head of Practice, Tech, Media and Telecom of Public First presented the keynote presentation at an event in Dhaka.
She said: “Uber commissioned Public First to help gain an in-depth insight into the company's impact in Bangladesh. As the nation buckles with political and economic headwinds, the platform economy, including services by Uber, has become a beacon of opportunity for Bangladeshi people. And it's in this context that we believe that the platform ride-sharing economy has already and will continue to help drive the country's digital transformations, unlocking earning potentials, consumer benefits, and tech-led innovation.”
“Through our research, we found that Uber has had a significant impact on the economy. As a headline number, we estimate that Uber contributed Tk55 billion worth of economic activity in 2024, and that is absolutely staggering, but it is almost so staggering that it's quite an abstract number to lots of people, which is why we also wanted to dive into the more localized impacts that Uber is having for different communities,” she added.
Regarding the methodology to figure out the value of saved time, the report stated that the 2024 Public First Consumer Survey asked riders for the duration of their most recent trip with Uber, and how long the next best alternative would have taken.
They combined this with existing Public First data on the average time saved using the Uber app and calibrated it against Uber’s internal data regarding the average duration of trips in Bangladesh.
“We then multiplied the average time savings with Uber’s internal data on the total number of annual trips. This allowed us to estimate total time saved per year. Finally, we then calculated the monetary value of this using average hourly salary based on reported incomes from the same survey,” read the report.
Commenting on the report, Nasheed Ferdous Kamal, country head for Uber Bangladesh, said, “We will be coming together to discuss Uber's incredible journey in Bangladesh over the last eight years. Since launching in 2016, we've been committed to transforming urban mobility in the vibrant nation.”
“Our 2024 Economic Impact highlights Uber’s significant contribution to transforming transportation and creating work opportunities in the country. We are proud of the meaningful impact we have made on the country’s economy and remain dedicated to reshaping the mobility landscape, connecting communities and creating livelihoods,” she added.
Addressing the event as the special guest, BRTA Chairman Mohammad Yasin said the Government of Bangladesh is committed to enhancing the country’s infrastructure and economic development.
“In this context, Uber’s role in improving connectivity, supporting livelihoods, and promoting tourism has been notable. The ridesharing industry, including Uber, has made commendable efforts in leveraging technology to address transportation challenges, which contribute positively to the nation’s growth and development,” he added.
The report also stated that Uber’s Moto and Auto services supported Tk920 crore of economic activity in Bangladesh in 2024. These services have become essential for meeting the growing demand for affordable and convenient last-mile connectivity.
“In total, in 2024, we estimate that driver-partners earn an additional 42% a year in higher income through Uber, relative to their next best alternative type of work,” it read.
In 2023, Public First estimated that Uber generated Tk290 crore in additional value for Bangladesh’s tourism industry, which now supports 2.14 million jobs in 2024.
“In 2024, we estimate that rides with Uber generated Tk66,900 crore in consumer surplus for riders in Bangladesh. By providing consumers with safe, convenient travel options, we estimate that Uber supported Tk43 crore in additional value for Bangladesh’s night-time economy in 2023,” read the report.
According to the report, 50% of drivers agree that they would have fewer job opportunities without the platform and 76% of drivers say that Uber is the first app they have received earnings through.
However, 81% of riders agree that booking with Uber is much easier than hailing a ride on the street, and 86% of riders agree that the Uber app is an important transportation innovation.
Regarding safety and improving access, the report said 95% of female riders say that safety is an important factor when choosing to use the Uber app. 89% of riders consider Uber to be the safest way for them to travel home.
Moreover, 87% of riders agree that Uber has made it easier for them to get around their city. 78% of riders say that it would be difficult to find a safe way to travel at night if ridesharing services like Uber didn’t exist.
The report launch was followed by a panel discussion with key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry experts. The panellists included Fahmida Khatun, executive director of CPD; Shams Zaman, country managing partner, PwC Bangladesh; and Nasheed Ferdous Kamal, country head of Uber Bangladesh.
The panellists discussed the future of mobility in Bangladesh, exploring opportunities and challenges in building a resilient transportation system that can adapt to the country’s evolving political, economic and technological landscape.
