Ambassador Yongawo Backs $150M Yango Africa Expansion Plan

His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador, has called on global technology companies, venture capital firms, and policy leaders to turn their attention to Africa particularly Sierra Leone as the next frontier for technology-driven investment and innovation.

Ambassador Yongawo made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the Yango Global Innovation Forum held in Moscow, where he emphasized the continent’s rapidly expanding digital economy and growing potential for strategic partnerships.

He urged international investors to actively explore opportunities within Africa’s tech ecosystem, describing it as one of the fastest-growing and most promising markets in the world.

Central to the discussions at the forum was Yango, the international technology and services brand associated with global tech company Yandex. The company, which operates in sectors including ride-hailing, e-commerce, and delivery services, has announced plans to significantly expand its footprint across Africa.

According to reports, Yango is preparing to scale its operations into 50 cities across the continent, backed by an investment commitment of at least $150 million.

Ambassador Yongawo positioned Sierra Leone as a strategic gateway for this anticipated expansion, highlighting the country’s readiness for innovation, digital transformation, and foreign investment in the technology sector.

He stressed that Sierra Leone offers strong potential for tech-driven development, particularly as global companies increasingly focus on Africa’s young population and untapped digital market opportunities.

The remarks come amid growing international interest in Africa’s digital economy, which many analysts view as a key driver of future global economic growth.