In six years, Yobante Express has become one of Africa's logistics champions, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and informal transport channels. Oumar Basse, a young geek, Director and co-founder of this company, which is keen to maintain its start-up spirit, looks back on its rapid development.
Who is Oumar Basse?
Oumar Basse, Winner of the Senegalese general competition in 2010 in mechanical construction, attended the André Peytavin Technical High School in Saint-Louis. After completing his 2nd year of high school in Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, he obtained a Master's degree in Distributed Information Systems Engineering from the University of Dakar (UCAD), Department of Computer Science. He also did a year of research in Executive Ph.D in Machine Learning at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, UNICATT in Piacenza, Italy.
Previously, Oumar Basse founded Nano Air, an IoT network of distributed sensors measuring air quality in Senegal and Widim Pompe, a remote irrigation solution for rural farmers in Africa, both products were exhibited as innovations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP22.An accomplished entrepreneur, he is the founder of two startups and a computer engineer with more than ten years of experience in digital technology.
Oumar Basse is the co-founder and CEO of Yobante Express, an African startup revolutionizing logistics by leveraging artificial intelligence and informal transport channels. He has developed extensive expertise in digital and logistics solutions tailored to the realities of the African market. His academic and entrepreneurial background has enabled him to build a company capable of competing with international players in just six years.
Yobante Express is among the top 5 African logistics companies using AI. How did this happen?
Our inclusion in the top 5 African logistics companies using AI and our ranking as the leading AI logistics company in Africa in 2023-2024 by Scrums.com with a rating of 4.5/5 stars are the result of our technological vision and our innovative approach. From the outset, we designed Yobante Express as a platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning.
We've developed a decentralized logistics network based on independent carriers, optimized with advanced algorithms that enable automated dispatching, intelligent route management, and reduced delivery costs. This approach has enabled us to offer deliveries twice as fast and up to 40% cheaper than traditional players in the sector.
What are the results of using AI in YES's logistics operations?
Artificial intelligence has transformed our supply chain in several ways:
- Route optimization: Our algorithms analyze journeys in real time to choose the fastest and least expensive route (2X faster and up to 40% cheaper than traditional players in the sector).
Reduction in the rate of loss and damage of parcels (on average 0,8% for YES against ~5% for industry) : Thanks to YESCOVER, we guarantee delivery and reimburse any losses.
- Dispatching automation: AI allows us to automatically assign packages to the most suitable carriers, with a successful delivery rate of over 99%.
- Rapid expansion in several countries: Our AI-powered tools have enabled us to scale rapidly, expanding into over 12 countries, including recently Vietnam, and delivering to 42 countries with increased efficiency.
Thanks to AI, we have created a unique delivery model that integrates informal transport into a modern and efficient logistics chain, adapted to African needs.
How can AI transform logistics in Africa and help catch up?
Artificial intelligence can revolutionize the African logistics sector in several ways:
- Reduced delivery costs: By automating dispatching and using decentralized solutions like ours, AI can optimize transportation costs.
- Better traceability: With real-time tracking systems, businesses and individuals can track their packages accurately.
- Improved accessibility: By exploiting informal transport networks, AI can deliver to rural areas poorly served by traditional services.
- Demand prediction: By analyzing order data, AI can help anticipate needs and better organize inventory and deliveries.
By integrating AI into logistics, Africa can narrow its gap with major global powers and position itself as an innovative hub in the field of transport and e-commerce.
Can AI be a danger to humanity?
Like any technology, AI has benefits but also risks. Its main danger lies in misuse, including:
- Over-reliance on algorithms, which could make some decisions biased or inappropriate.
- Job losses in some sectors, although it also creates new opportunities.
- The lack of transparency and ethics in some AI applications.
However, At Yobante Express, we use AI responsibly, putting people at the heart of our model and ensuring it improves efficiency without dehumanizing the industry.
What do you think about Africa Supply Chain magazine?
Africa Supply Chain is an excellent specialist media outlet that plays a crucial role in promoting the logistics sector in Africa. It offers in-depth insights into market challenges and opportunities and highlights the innovative players transforming the sector. Their work contributes to the structuring of the African logistics industry by sharing relevant analyses and feedback from entrepreneurs and experts in the field.
