Yango, a company based in Senegal, broadens its multi-purpose application to include food delivery services.
In the thriving Senegalese restaurant industry, fueled by urbanization and shifting eating habits, Yango is making a significant impact with its food delivery service. The company is actively expanding its operations in West Africa, including Senegal, leveraging technology and local partnerships.
Yango's strategy of waiving commission fees for restaurants is a tactic designed to attract businesses to its platform, positioning itself as a champion of local businesses in Senegal. So far, the response has been positive, with an increase in orders for restaurants and customer satisfaction reported.
The potential for growth for Yango's services in Senegal is significant, thanks to high internet penetration in urban areas, exceeding 89%. The company's SuperApp, which already includes ride-hailing and parcel delivery, is now expanded to include food delivery. Users can order meals from partner restaurants and eventually grocery stores without switching apps.
The food delivery market in Senegal is not without competition. Local services like Dakar Food Delivery and Ayda App are also vying for a share of the market. However, the closure of Jumia’s food delivery operations in some African markets, including Senegal, has created an opening for competitors like Yango and local players.
Jumia, which had food delivery in several African markets, exited some operations to focus on core physical goods. As of mid-2025, Jumia’s financial reports highlight growth largely driven by physical goods, with no indication of resuming or strengthening food delivery in those markets.
While Yango is currently enjoying a honeymoon phase, during which commission fees are waived, the real challenge will come later, regarding how it treats businesses and workers once the initial excitement fades. Only time will tell how Yango will navigate this phase and contribute to Senegal's digital transformation, as it aims to do, while supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
- Yango's food delivery service, with its current strategy of waiving commission fees and the advantage of a SuperApp that offers multiple services, is poised to create a strong impact in the competitive sports of digital marketplaces and food delivery in Senegal.
- As Yango transitions from the initial phase of waiving commission fees for restaurants, it will face crucial decisions on how to treat businesses and workers sustainably, thereby demonstrating whether it is truly a champion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Senegal's ongoing digital transformation.
