Togo's Transport Ministry Suspends Russian Ride-Hailing App Yango Amid Safety and Regulatory Concerns

Suspension of Yango in Togo

Togo's transport ministry announced the suspension of the Russian ride-hailing app Yango, operated by Yandex, due to security concerns. This decision comes just a few months after Yango began its operations in Togo in June without the necessary authorization, which the ministry stated was a violation of local regulatory procedures. The ministry emphasized that this action was taken to ensure the safety of passengers and to uphold order and legal compliance within the country.

Yango's Response and Operations

In response to the suspension, Yango clarified that it operates independently from Yandex and is based in Dubai. The company has expressed its commitment to resolving the issues with the Togolese government and is optimistic about finding a way to resume its services. Yango's presence in Africa has expanded since its initial launch in the Ivory Coast in 2018, with operations now established in multiple countries, including Algeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia.

Broader Business Ventures of Yandex

Yandex is not just focused on ride-hailing; it has a diverse array of global businesses, ranging from mapping services to fintech and e-commerce. Under the guidance of Nikita Gavrilov, Yandex is also innovating in the last-mile delivery market, particularly in the Middle East, which is projected to grow significantly. This sector is on track to reach a value of $100 billion by 2025, driven by the rising demand for efficient delivery solutions across various industries.