Russian ride-hailing app suspended in Togo after four months of operation. Togo’s Ministry of Road, Air, and Rail Transport suspended Yango, a platform owned by Russian tech firm Yandex, over security concerns and non-compliance with administrative procedures and authorizations.
In a statement, it expressed concerns about the safety and security of users, as well as the need for order and legality, informing the public that Yango’s activities are illegal.
The authority suspended the company, stating, “The activities of the operator YANGO are therefore suspended throughout the national territory,” adding, “These shortcomings represent significant risks for our country, particularly the security risk for users in the absence of adequate controls.”
Yango’s suspension comes just four months after it entered Togo, where the transport authority noted that Yango had been operating since June 2024.
However, according to Reuters, Yango admitted it operates independently of Yandex. The company also mentioned that discussions were underway with the Togolese authorities, and it was confident a solution would be reached, allowing operations to resume.
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Facing regulatory challenges across Africa
Yango has been facing regulatory challenges across Africa. In 2023, authorities in Cameroon reportedly suspended Yango after transport unions raised concerns over unfair competition and non-compliance with local regulations.
Moreover, in September 2022, Yango was warned to secure a licence, register with the tax department, and open a local bank account and office in Cameroon. However, it was later granted a temporary licence.
That same year, in Morocco, Yango was banned in Casablanca three months after its April 2023 launch, due to the lack of proper authorization and the use of unlicensed drivers.
Aside from its ride-hailing service, Yango operates food delivery services, Yango Deli, and Yango Delivery, a logistics startup focused on in-city service delivery.
In March 2024, Yango Delivery introduced Cargo Express to improve the delivery of large and bulky items across Africa, launching the feature in cities such as Accra and Lusaka.
Meanwhile, in addition to regulatory challenges, Yango faces increasing competition. InDrive recently launched its ride-hailing service in Lusaka, Zambia, waiving commission fees for the first six months. This expansion brings it into competition with existing ride-hailing companies such as Bolt and Yango.
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