The end of the collaboration between Yango Group and its local consultant, Awana Ateba Michel, is sparking controversy in Cameroon. Mr. Ateba denounced a "unilateral" termination by the Russian urban mobility giant, which has been operating in the country for over four years.
Yango Group confirmed that it had ended its collaboration with Mr. Awana Ateba Michel, who had been operating through his structure ENANGUE HOLDING SARL since 2023. Mr. Ateba's mission was to provide consulting support for "administrative coordination" issues. According to Yango, the contract was "limited in scope and time" and ended in 2024 as part of the normal development of its regional activities.
In response, Mr. Awana Ateba Michel accused the company of wanting to "exploit him like a cash cow" before discarding him. He does not dispute the end of his mission, but the way it was handled. This case echoes a sentiment shared in Cameroonian business circles, where foreign companies are sometimes accused of exploiting local expertise before parting ways.
To manage its public and institutional affairs in Cameroon, Yango has appointed two internal managers: Ms. Elodie Filopon, Public Policy Manager for French-speaking Africa, and Dr. Clovis Pilla, Country Manager of Yango in Cameroon. This decision was perceived by Mr. Awana Ateba Michel as an eviction without consultation.
Yango has been operating in Cameroon for over four years and claims to have created 6,000 direct and indirect jobs. The company recently expanded its operations to Bafoussam, a sign of its desire to offer efficient and affordable transport solutions throughout Cameroon. In August 2023, Yango obtained a provisional authorization to operate taxi services via digital platforms.
The end of the collaboration between Yango and Mr. Awana Ateba Michel highlights the potential tensions between foreign companies and local experts in Cameroon. How this case is handled could influence the perception of Yango by Cameroonian economic players. In 2025, Yango obtained a five-year renewal of its license.
