Eric Bemba

TBY talks to Eric Bemba, Country Manager of Yango DRC, about the digital ecosystem, accessibility, and revenue generation.

What are the main challenges in growing unicorns or the digital ecosystem in the DRC?

Building unicorns in the DRC presents significant challenges, particularly in the area of financing. Unlike in more developed markets, where start-ups have the luxury of failing and trying again, start-ups here must achieve profitability quickly. Securing funding from banks and venture capitalists is a daunting task due to a lack of a supportive ecosystem. Banks in the DRC often demand excessive collateral, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to secure loans, and many are forced to rely solely on their own resources. To attract more companies and foster growth, we need more success stories like Yango. I believe that future funding will likely come from international players interested in our market—potentially through acquisitions—rather than from venture capital at scale. Another major challenge is talent. Our education system currently does not produce enough high-level tech graduates, though I have encountered many self-taught individuals with impressive skills. Addressing these issues is crucial for the growth of the digital ecosystem in the DRC.

How would you characterize the opportunities in the DRC for ride-hailing apps?

The DRC presents unique and promising opportunities for ride-hailing apps. While others entered the market and eventually left, Yango has persevered, navigating challenges like poor road conditions and severe traffic congestion. Despite 80% of vehicles being imported, making the market challenging, Yango has made ride-hailing possible. We launched in August 2022 and have seen steady growth since. Unlike many other African countries that typically have one or two major cities, the DRC boasts multiple growing urban centers. Lubumbashi, with a population of 3 million, Goma’s steady development, and Kolwezi’s boom as the world’s cobalt hub all highlight the potential. Kinshasa, projected to reach 30 million residents by 2030 and growing by approximately 1 million people each year, represents a particularly dynamic market. Since our launch in Kinshasa in 2022 and in Lubumbashi in March 2024, we’ve seen strong adoption from the local population.

How does Yango ensure the safety of its passengers and vehicles?

While maintaining city safety is primarily the role of local authorities, Yango is dedicated to enhancing the safety of our passengers and drivers through advanced platform features. In Kinshasa, traditional taxis often operate as shared rides with passengers unfamiliar with each other or the driver, which raises safety concerns. Yango addresses this by providing a more structured and secure ride experience. Our platform includes a comprehensive Safety Center, where passengers can access an emergency chat with our support team, designate trusted contacts, and share their trip details in real-time with loved ones. We also showcase the safety technologies we employ, ensuring riders feel secure throughout their journey. For drivers, we offer critical tools such as alert zones to warn them about potentially risky areas, and a conflict button that connects them directly to our support team. These integrated safety measures not only enhance convenience but also ensure a safer and more reliable experience for both passengers and drivers.

Are there any unique issues in the DRC that have prompted changes at the global level for Yango?

Kinshasa is undoubtedly one of the most challenging markets for business in Africa. While some might point to issues like poor road conditions or flooding during the rainy season, every market comes with its own set of challenges. What makes Kinshasa unique is its immense potential, driven by a rapidly growing population that is expected to reach 30 million. Despite our successes, the sheer scale of the population sometimes makes it feel as though there’s always more to be done. The DRC also has one of the highest average fares in Africa, yet our prices remain more affordable than traditional taxis, reflecting both the complexity and opportunity of this market. While the challenges are significant, so too is the potential, making the DRC a key focus for Yango.

Is Yango accessible to most people or how will you make it more accessible?

I tend to see the glass as half full. With 30% internet penetration in a country of 100 million people, that still translates to 30 million people online. In Kinshasa, the penetration rate is likely even higher. The market here is both large and rapidly growing. Telecommunications companies, banks, and companies in other sectors are actively promoting the digital industry. Our President has made digital development a key pillar for the country’s progress. While we may not achieve 100% internet penetration, the potential for growth is substantial. The DRC is clearly on a path toward greater digitalization, and Yango is well-positioned to be part of that journey.

How will Yango ensure high revenue and maintain market leadership?

Competition is essential for any business. However, the market here is tough; success requires a significant investment before seeing returns, especially in ride-hailing, where the first player often sets the rules. In Côte d’Ivoire, we are a recognized leader in the market among other services. The DRC market is similar; we have pushed forward while others have left the market. Currently, our growth is impressive—over 20% month-on-month. We have the highest average fare in Africa, presenting a great investment opportunity.

What is the next phase for Yango?

We’ve recently launched in Lubumbashi, and I see strong potential for expanding into more cities. Extending our services is key—different Yango digital services, car rental, food delivery and others are already very popular in other markets. In DRC there’s a significant opportunity in logistics, particularly in Kinshasa, where there’s a high demand for bike-based delivery services like Yango Delivery. As a tech company, our next step is to create a super app, tapping into the market’s need for diverse digital solutions.