Togo Suspends Ride-Hailing App Yango Over Security Concerns

The Togolese government has suspended the operations of Yango, a ride-hailing app owned by Russian tech giant Yandex, just months after it began operating in the West African nation. The Ministry of Transport announced the suspension on Thursday, citing concerns about passenger safety and violations of the country’s legal procedures.

Unauthorised Operations and Security Concerns

According to the ministry’s statement, Yango launched its services in Togo in June 2024 without obtaining the necessary administrative authorisations, thereby violating the country’s regulations. The government stressed that the suspension was based on serious concerns for the safety of passengers and the need to maintain public order.

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“The activities of the operator YANGO are therefore suspended across the entire national territory,” the transport ministry stated.

Yango’s Response

In response, Yango clarified that it operates independently from Yandex, despite its ownership ties, and is headquartered in Dubai. The company expressed confidence that ongoing discussions with the Togolese government would lead to a resolution, allowing them to resume operations in the country. Yango operates in over 20 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and has expanded rapidly across the African continent since its initial launch in Côte d’Ivoire in 2018.

Previous Suspensions and Competitors

This is not the first time Yango has faced regulatory hurdles in Africa. In 2023, it was temporarily suspended in Cameroon for similar reasons but was later allowed to resume operations after complying with transport regulations.

Yango’s suspension in Togo places it at a disadvantage in the country’s competitive ride-hailing market, where it faces rivals such as Gozem and BKG Speed, both of which have established a significant presence.

Broader Context and Yango’s Global Presence

Beyond ride-hailing, Yango is part of a broader portfolio of Yandex services, including maps, navigation, food delivery, fintech, and autonomous delivery. The company is particularly focused on last-mile delivery services, which are projected to grow significantly in the coming years, especially in the Middle East.

Despite regulatory challenges in Togo, Yango remains a key player in Africa’s growing digital mobility sector, with over a million drivers and delivery service providers using its platform globally. In 2023, Yango reported that rides on its platform had more than doubled, with over a quarter billion journeys taken in Africa since the app’s inception.

As Yango engages with Togolese authorities, the ride-hailing service remains hopeful of resolving the regulatory issues and resuming operations, continuing its expansion across the African continent.