Yango has broadened its offerings in Senegal by launching a food delivery service, complementing its existing ride-hailing and parcel delivery solutions within its SuperApp. This expansion strengthens Yango’s footprint in Senegal’s digital landscape while heightening competition in the country’s rapidly growing online food delivery sector.
To support local eateries, Yango is waiving commission fees for partner restaurants, aiming to help them boost sales while minimizing operational expenses. The company initially entered the Senegalese market in December 2021, focusing on transportation services. With the addition of food delivery, Yango is evolving into a more comprehensive digital service provider.
In March 2024, Yango rolled out “Cargo Express,” a service designed to facilitate the transport of large and heavy items across Africa. Available in key cities such as Accra, Abidjan, and Lusaka, the service includes features like mover assistance and a complimentary 10-minute loading and unloading period to enhance efficiency.
Senegal’s online food delivery industry is experiencing substantial expansion, with forecasts predicting a 10.07% annual growth between 2025 and 2029, ultimately reaching a market valuation of $269.60 million by 2029. This surge is fueled by urbanization, evolving consumer preferences, and increased internet accessibility, with penetration exceeding 89% in urban areas.
With its entrance into this competitive landscape, Yango challenges established services like Glovo and Jumia Food. By eliminating commission fees for partner restaurants, the company seeks to attract a diverse range of dining establishments and food retailers, giving consumers more options while reducing financial burdens on businesses.
Despite its expansion in Senegal, Yango has encountered regulatory setbacks in other African nations. In October 2024, Togo’s Ministry of Road, Air, and Rail Transport halted Yango’s operations, citing security concerns and regulatory non-compliance. Authorities claimed Yango had been operating without proper authorization since June 2024, leading to a nationwide suspension. This incident underscores the necessity of complying with local laws and securing required permits when entering new markets.
By incorporating food delivery into its SuperApp, Yango enhances user convenience by providing multiple services within a single platform. This seamless integration is expected to attract tech-savvy consumers and foster long-term customer engagement.
For local restaurants and food retailers, Yango’s platform presents an opportunity to expand their reach without the added expense of commission fees. This initiative is especially advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses looking to scale in the digital marketplace.
Looking ahead, Yango intends to onboard more restaurants and extend its services to include food retailers, further diversifying its offerings. As Senegal’s food delivery market continues its upward trajectory, Yango’s aggressive expansion strategy positions it as a key player capable of reshaping industry dynamics while positively impacting the local economy.
However, Yango’s recent suspension in Togo highlights the regulatory challenges associated with expanding across different African markets. Maintaining compliance with local policies and securing necessary approvals will be critical to Yango’s continued success and long-term growth in the region.
