Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika and Yango Africa CEO & Global Chief Business Officer Adeniyi Adebayo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in Rwanda’s digital mobility sector.
The agreement marks Yango’s first formal step into the Rwandan market and reflects Rwanda’s continued efforts to position itself as a regional hub for technology, innovation, and smart urban mobility.
The partnership will focus on technology-enabled transport solutions, urban mobility innovation, and improving the efficiency and accessibility of transportation services in Rwanda.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Jean-Guy Afrika said the collaboration aligns with Rwanda’s broader ambition of building a modern, innovation-driven economy supported by smart infrastructure and digital services.
“Rwanda is committed to creating an enabling environment for technology and innovation to thrive. Partnerships like this support our vision of building smarter, more efficient, and inclusive mobility systems that improve everyday life for our citizens,” said Afrika.
He added that Rwanda’s investment in digital transformation and its business-friendly environment continue to attract global technology companies looking to expand across Africa.
For Yango, the MoU represents more than just a market entry into Rwanda’s transportation sector.
It is also part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across Africa through technology-driven services that go beyond ride-hailing.
Yango Africa CEO and Global Chief Business Officer Adeniyi Adebayo said Rwanda’s strong ICT ecosystem, progressive policies, and growing urban population make it an attractive market for digital transportation services and innovation.
“We are excited to begin discussions with Rwanda and explore how our technology and expertise can contribute to the country’s vision for smarter and more accessible urban mobility,” Adebayo said.
“Rwanda has established itself as a leader in innovation and digital transformation on the continent, and we look forward to being part of that journey.”
Industry analysts say Yango’s entry into Rwanda could significantly boost competition and innovation in the country’s ride-hailing and digital transport market.
The company is expected to introduce AI-powered mobility solutions, improved ride-hailing technologies, and digital tools designed to enhance convenience for commuters while creating new economic opportunities for drivers and transport operators.
Beyond transportation, the partnership could also open doors for broader digital ecosystem development in Rwanda.
Yango Group has increasingly positioned itself as a technology ecosystem company offering services that include ride-hailing, food and parcel delivery, navigation, mapping technologies, e-commerce integrations, entertainment platforms, and business solutions powered by artificial intelligence and data analytics.
The company’s expansion strategy in Africa has focused on building localized digital ecosystems that support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and independent service providers through technology platforms.
Analysts believe Rwanda could become an important gateway for Yango’s next phase of development in East Africa, particularly as the country continues investing heavily in smart city infrastructure, cashless payments, digital public services, and innovation-driven economic growth.
Yango currently operates in more than 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
In Africa, the company already has operations in countries including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Senegal, Zambia, Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Morocco.
The company says its model focuses on partnering with local transport operators and entrepreneurs rather than directly owning vehicles, allowing local businesses to leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Yango’s planned entry into Rwanda comes at a time when African cities are increasingly embracing digital transportation platforms to address urbanization challenges and improve mobility efficiency.
The move further strengthens Rwanda’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading destinations for innovation, digital investment, and emerging technology ecosystems.
By Andrew Shyaka
