By: Audrey Raymonda John
His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo has called on global investors and technology companies to turn their attention to Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, as the next frontier for technology-driven growth.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Yango Global Innovation Forum in Moscow, Ambassador Yongawo made a strong appeal to tech executives, venture capitalists, and policy leaders to invest in Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy. Yango, the international mobility and technology brand linked to Yandex, operates in ride-hailing, delivery, and digital services. The company reportedly plans to expand into 50 cities across Africa, with an investment commitment of at least $150 million.
“Africa is not a continent of tomorrow. It is a continent of today,” Ambassador Yongawo said to sustained applause.
“And Sierra Leone stands ready to be your gateway, not only for natural resources but for digital innovation, fintech, renewable energy technologies, and homegrown AI solutions that address real-world challenges.”
The Ambassador highlighted Sierra Leone’s youthful and increasingly digital population, expanding mobile and broadband infrastructure, and the government’s commitment to technology-friendly reforms. He noted that the country has simplified business registration processes, introduced digital identity systems, and invested in technology hubs in Freetown and Bo.
“We are no longer asking for aid. We are inviting partnership,” he emphasised. “Invest in our people. Invest in our startups. Invest in the technologies that leapfrog the old industrial era, including mobile payments, telemedicine, e-learning, and decentralised energy systems.”
Ambassador Yongawo also pointed to opportunities in agricultural technology (AgriTech) to enhance food security, as well as blockchain technology to improve transparency and accountability in governance. He encouraged investors to look beyond traditional markets.
“When you invest in Sierra Leone, you are not entering a single market. You are entering a gateway to the sub-region and the wider African market of over 1.4 billion people,” he said.
The remarks followed a formal invitation from Yandex for Ambassador Yongawo to participate as a distinguished speaker, reflecting the company’s growing interest in emerging economies. Several Yango executives were reportedly seen taking notes during his address.
The Ambassador concluded with a strong invitation to investors: “Come to Freetown not as tourists, but as builders. The digital future of Africa is being written now, and Sierra Leone wants you to be part of that journey.”
The event ended on an optimistic note, with diplomats and technology officials engaging in discussions at the closing dinner. Ambassador Yongawo’s remarks continued to generate discussion among diplomats and technology executives.