Best workers in group picture with top management of Yango Group
By Nformi Ngi Jones Tamfu
In a glitzy ceremony that bridged the gap between cutting-edge technology and human resilience, Yango Group, the international tech giant, hosted its first Yango Drivers & Partners Awards at the K Hotel in Douala on January 9, 2025. The event stood as a testament to the transformative power of the digital economy in Cameroon, honoring the men and women who keep the nation’s cities moving.
The gala brought together fleet managers, independent drivers, and government representatives to celebrate a year of “dedication, resilience, and exceptional performance.”
Unlike traditional transport models, Yango operates as a technology platform rather than a transport provider. This distinction is at the heart of its success in Cameroon. By partnering with local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Yango has created a decentralized, entrepreneur-led ecosystem.
“We are an information technology firm that collaborates with local partners the urban transport companies,” explained Dr. Pilla Clovis, Yango Country Manager. “This event celebrates the excellence these drivers demonstrate on the ground in their daily service to customers.”
Dr. Pilla Clovis also used the platform to highlight the company’s formal integration into the national economy, expressing gratitude for the five-year license granted by the Ministry of Transport and the digital transformation support from the Ministry of Communication.
The highlight of the evening was the distribution of awards to 15 outstanding drivers from Douala, Yaounde, and Bafoussam. These professionals were judged on rigorous criteria, including user ratings, trip volume, and adherence to safety protocols.
Top Driver Honors included:
Douala: Dieupe Niyeug Ruben Ismael
Yaounde: Ondo Ondo Serge
Bafoussam: Tchaupga Yombeu Ebenezer
For many, the awards were life-changing. Ondo Ondo Serge, named Best Driver in Yaounde, shared his journey from viewing the app as a “side hustle” to embracing it as a full-time profession. “It allowed me to establish a stable financial base to pursue my personal projects,” he said, holding his new smartphone and fuel vouchers.
In the commercial Motor-bike sector, Gustave Ebombo Monny took home the “Best Bike Rider” award after completing a grueling challenge of 100 trips per week with near-perfect ratings.
The ceremony also shone a spotlight on fleet owners the backbone of Yango’s operational success. Five partners: YFLEET, Smart Express, BestFleet Auto, BloomMove, and Empire were recognised for fleet quality and professional growth.
Thiery Nlondok II, General Manager Yfleet Cameroon, reflected on his transition from a 15-year corporate career to ride-hailing entrepreneurship. “Winning Best Partner in Cameroon is a huge responsibility,” he remarked. “Observing the results of this shift has been tremendously encouraging.”
Similarly, Kuate Warbo, co-founder of a major partner platform, noted that their fleet has grown to over 20 vehicles, providing stable jobs that allow staff to support families and even celebrate milestones like marriage.
Despite the celebration, the event touched on the hurdles facing the sector. Partners raised concerns regarding the alignment of new tax laws with the specific realities of the VTC (ride-hailing) business. However, the tone remained optimistic, with speakers noting that ongoing dialogue with the government signals a path toward a more structured and professional mobility sector. As the night concluded with prizes ranging from immersive learning trips to Abidjan to weekend getaways in Kribi, the message was clear: Yango is not just moving people; it is moving the Cameroonian economy forward, one trip at a time.
