Yobante Express

Yobante Express is a pioneering logistics technology startup that is revolutionizing the delivery ecosystem across Africa. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the company has developed an innovative platform that leverages artificial intelligence and the continent’s informal transport networks to provide efficient, affordable, and trackable parcel delivery services. By connecting local couriers with businesses and individuals, Yobante Express has created a resilient mesh network of independent agents and casual carriers that optimizes domestic, cross-border, and last-mile delivery in emerging markets.

The startup addresses one of Africa’s most pressing logistical challenges: the high cost and unreliability of parcel delivery services. Traditional city-to-city deliveries in Africa can cost up to $40 and take several days, with parcels often lost and no accountability or tracking available. Yobante Express has disrupted this model by utilizing existing transport infrastructure—including buses, taxis, and other vehicles—to create a delivery network that is approximately 40% less expensive than competitors while offering complete trackability and robust customer service. This innovative approach has enabled the company to deliver over 150,000 parcels per month across its operational markets.

Since its inception, Yobante Express has achieved remarkable growth and recognition within the African tech ecosystem. The company currently operates in over 20 African countries with a strong presence in Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia, among others. In 2022, Yobante Express was honored as the best emerging entrepreneur at AfricArena’s West African summit, and has been recognized as one of the top 5 African logistics companies using AI. The startup has also formed strategic partnerships with innovative companies like Kenya’s MPost to expand its pan-African delivery capabilities and is actively working towards establishing operations across all 54 African countries, as well as expanding into European markets including France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.