Although they are still lagging compared to their western peers, Africans are actively participating in the ongoing digital transformation. In Benin for instance, a tech entrepreneur is leveraging technology to help the population easily access some services.

Ylomi is a Benenise startup that connects artisans with potential clients. The startup was founded in 2018 by Jean Vivien Dah N’Gbekounou following the latter’s scornful experience. 

“ In 2016, during a prolonged outage period in Benin, I had a hard time finding a mechanic who would repair my broken generator. The only one who was referred to me conned me by charging three times the normal repair costs without even doing what I wanted him to do. This experience, which is common to most Africans, plunged me into deep reflection, leading to the creation of Ylomi,”  Jean Vivien explains. 

The services offered by the startup are accessible through its web and mobile platforms (the mobile app is available on AppStore and PlayStore). Users can either register as artisans or clients. In either case, a set of information is required. 

The artisans approved by Ylomi offer various services including TV repair, plumbing, massage, etc. In Cotonou, the startup claims 458 professionals, 153 in Abomey-Calavi, and 73 in Porto-Novo. 

Let’s note that Ylomi has public liability insurance for domestic workers and service providers offering their services via its platform. This way, it can protect both artisans and clients from problems that may arise in the course of their dealings. 

Adoni Conrad Quenum