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.

Yango Ventures aims to foster local innovation and entrepreneurial growth by providing both capital and leveraging its extensive experience and network, creating opportunities for startups to scale effectively.

This support is designed to help them generate sustainable impact within their communities.

“We’re more than a tech company; we are an ecosystem committed to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide. At Yango Group, we believe that technology is not just about innovation — it’s a catalyst for tangible progress. Through Yango Ventures, we’re sharing our expertise and network to help startups scale, thrive, and drive meaningful change in their communities. Our mission is simple: let people grow with us. By supporting local talent with the right tools and resources, we aim to foster sustainable business growth and contribute to resilient, inclusive economies across the globe,” said Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group.

A fund dedicated to the rise of tech startups

Yango Ventures focuses on early-stage startups, from Seed to Series B, in the O2O (Online-to-Offline), B2B SaaS, and FinTech sectors.

While it starts with an initial fund of $20 million, the corporate venture fund is designed for scalability, with plans to expand its capital base in the near future alongside the growing entrepreneurial ecosystems in dynamic, high-growth markets.

By investing in startups across the African region, Yango Ventures seeks to support tech-driven solutions that promote digitalization and stimulate economic development in the continent.

The board of experts behind Yango Ventures comprises a diverse team with deep expertise in transforming B2B SaaS and B2C technology into impactful services across various industries worldwide.

The team has successfully developed and scaled platforms and products in sectors such as mobility, entertainment, fintech, AI, and beyond, both within the company and externally.

Adeniyi Adebayo, chief business officer of Yango Group added:

“Africa has immense entrepreneurial potential, and we want to contribute to this momentum by providing resources and a strategic network. Our goal is not just to invest, but to be a true partner, helping startups navigate the challenges of scaling and building sustainable businesses that create lasting value for their communities.”

A global approach with a local commitment

Yango Ventures is part of Yango Group‘s broader strategy to empower entrepreneurs and drive digital transformation globally.

The company’s approach combines cutting-edge technology, business expertise, and a commitment to local ecosystems, creating sustainable growth opportunities for people across diverse markets.

Beyond funding, the company is committed to actively supporting local communities in African markets through networking events, mentorship programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to host events that give future innovators practical skills, including some initiatives like Yango Education, Yango Fellowship or their urban mobility Hackathons.