Yango Group, a UAE-based technology company, has announced a strategic investment in Zanifu, a leading Kenyan fintech platform dedicated to improving access to working capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Beyond providing financial backing, Yango will support Zanifu in refining its long-term business model and growth strategy, leveraging its operational expertise from more than 30 global markets. The move reflects Yango’s growing commitment to fostering innovation and supporting high-potential startups across Africa.
Zanifu has become an essential player in Kenya’s financial ecosystem by offering embedded lending solutions that enable SMEs to manage cash flow, purchase inventory, and expand operations sustainably. To date, the company has provided financing to over 15,000 SMEs, disbursing tens of millions of dollars in loans. This success highlights the critical role fintech continues to play in driving financial inclusion and empowering small businesses, which form the backbone of local economies.
Speaking about the partnership, Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group, emphasized that Zanifu’s mission aligns closely with Yango’s values of building technologies that empower other businesses. He noted that by providing SMEs with accessible financing, Zanifu is helping thousands of entrepreneurs grow and succeed, ultimately contributing to community development and economic resilience.
The investment comes through Yango Ventures, a corporate venture fund launched earlier in 2025 with an initial $20 million to support early-stage startups in Africa, Latin America, and the MENAP region. The fund targets high-growth sectors such as fintech, B2B SaaS, and O2O (online-to-offline) services, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to Yango’s global networks.
This latest investment represents an important milestone for Yango Ventures as it strengthens its footprint in Africa’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. By backing innovative companies like Zanifu, Yango is positioning itself as a catalyst for digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
