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Yango partners with Yabx and COFINA to launch In-App Digital Lending Services in Cote d’Ivoire

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Yango

The launch of the “Driver Cash Advance” service strengthens driver engagement and enhances financial accessibility for Yango’s community, contributing to an improved experience for all users

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, December 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In a significant partnership, Yango in Côte d’Ivoire, part of Yango Group, a global technology company that creates daily services, has teamed up with COFINA, a leading mesofinance institution in the country and Yabx (https://Yabx.co/), an embedded finance platform that builds credit profiles for thin/no file customers to introduce a Driver Cash Advance service. This is a digital loan product that will improve access to credit for many individuals and businesses. Beneficiaries will have instant access to up to XOF 300,000 (USD 500) cash advances and flexible repayment options of over two to eight weeks. This partnership is currently exclusive to Yango’s partners’ drivers, with plans to expand to consumers (riders), food delivery agents and merchants.

Speaking about the partnership’s impact, Mr. Kadotien Soro, the Country Manager of Yango in Côte d’Ivoire, underscored the importance of enabling entrepreneurs and supporting partners’ drivers to access financial assistance to grow their businesses.

‘’We are excited to partner with COFINA and Yabx to support our community. By providing this lending service to our partners’ drivers and users, we empower them to fulfill their dreams and achieve the desired results by investing in their businesses. This is a great opportunity and I entreat all beneficiaries to take advantage of it and be diligent with the utilization of these funds in order to grow’’ he said.

Yango operates in over 30 countries globally including various African countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, RD Congo, Angola, Mozambique, Cameroon, Senegal and Namibia. With an exponentially growing user base and an industry CAGR of 5.96%- the scale of providing financial inclusion to previously underserved segments will only get wider.

Yango, one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most trusted platforms, handles millions of rides and deliveries each month through its partners. The launch of the “Driver Cash Advance” service strengthens driver engagement and enhances financial accessibility for Yango’s community, contributing to an improved experience for all users. With its broad user base of drivers and riders growing as fast as 25+% year over year, Yango offers drivers a seamless way to manage their cash-flow and handle daily expenses more efficiently.

We believe embedded lending has the potential to transform access to credit in underserved regions and contribute to a more sustainable gig economy across Africa

Yabx, a cutting-edge Lending-as-a-Service (LaaS) platform, uses AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze digital footprints and create detailed financial identities for borrowers without prior access to formal credit. By employing non-traditional methods of credit scoring and building an end-to-end loan journey on the Yango app;  Yabx enables drivers to receive cash advances in real time.  Yabx has successfully developed and implemented a diverse range of financial solutions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These offerings include term loans, overdrafts, microloans, handset financing, and more, tailored to drive financial inclusion and empower underserved communities.

Puneet Chopra, Chief Growth Officer at Yabx, commented, “This partnership with Yango represents a key milestone in our mission to deliver financial services tailored to emerging markets. By embedding lending directly within the Yango platform, we are removing barriers to financial access, offering users quick and convenient access to capital. We believe embedded lending has the potential to transform access to credit in underserved regions and contribute to a more sustainable gig economy across Africa.”

The COFINA Group, a leader in mesofinance in West and Central Africa, is dedicated to promoting financial inclusion by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as entrepreneurs in their development. As a partner in this innovative project, COFINA Côte d’Ivoire plays a key role in providing the necessary financing, ensuring Yango drivers have quick and simplified access to credit. With its experience and continental reach, COFINA reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening platform economies and contributing to inclusive economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond.

“At COFINA, we firmly believe in the power of financial inclusion and digitalization to drive innovation and support players in the digital economy. This partnership with Yango and Yabx represents a significant step forward in offering financing solutions tailored to the needs of Yango drivers. We are proud to play a role in this initiative, which paves the way for a more inclusive and resilient digital economy in Côte d’Ivoire” emphasized Mr. Amed Sié TOURE, Managing Director of COFINA Côte d’Ivoire.

The integration of data-driven lending models and AI technology in the financial sector allows for the rapid expansion of financial services without adding significant risk. This innovation not only enables drivers to access formal loans for the first time but also introduces them to a simplified, streamlined user journey aligned with the driver’s immediate needs. Through this process, individuals and little businesses, constituting the ‘missing middle’ of African ecosystems who are not the core customers of microfinance institutions or traditional banks, can be recognized as credible borrowers with legitimate credit scores.

This service is designed to enhance the financial stability of drivers, allowing them to focus on their work without financial strain. Yabx, Yango, and COFINA are proud to be leading the way in providing inclusive financial solutions and supporting the growth of a sustainable gig economy across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Yabx.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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