Yango Group, the UAE-based technology company, has channelled part of its $20 million venture fund into Zanifu, a fast-growing Kenyan fintech platform that provides working capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The investment will enhance Yango’s support for innovative African startups that are solving local financing challenges and enabling sustainable business growth.
Beyond financial backing, Yango Group will work closely with Zanifu to strengthen its business structure and long-term expansion plans, drawing on its operational experience across more than 30 markets.
The partnership stresses Yango’s belief that empowering SMEs is essential to driving inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Zanifu has already supported over 15,000 SMEs, offering embedded lending solutions that help small businesses access inventory finance, manage cash flow, and scale operations without relying on traditional collateral.
“Zanifu is working on exactly what we care about, building tools that help other businesses grow. By giving thousands of SMEs real access to capital, the team is enabling them to expand and succeed. We’re excited to bring our experience and expertise to help scale a business that’s delivering real impact to local communities,” said Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group.
The investment was made through Yango Ventures, a corporate venture arm launched earlier this year with a focus on early-stage startups across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The fund targets high-growth sectors such as fintech, B2B SaaS, and on-demand services, offering startups both funding and access to Yango’s global expertise, network, and strategic guidance.
A deal with Zanifu results from Yango Group’s trust in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, ensuring growth for small businesses. This also opens a new chapter of scale and expansion across some of the continent’s most promising markets.
