Changan Automobile has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with UAE-based Yango Group, marking a new stage in the Chinese automaker’s expansion across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The partnership, announced at Changan’s regional headquarters in Dubai, aims to strengthen smart mobility initiatives and promote sustainable, technology-driven transport solutions across key African and Middle Eastern markets.
Under the agreement, Yango Motors — the automotive arm of Yango Group — will serve as an official distributor of Changan vehicles, beginning in Côte d’Ivoire, with plans to expand into additional African markets. The collaboration focuses on supplying durable, efficient cars suited to local ride-hailing needs, supporting both consumer mobility and the broader transition toward sustainable urban transport.
Xiao Feng, General Manager of Changan’s Middle East and Africa Business Division, described the partnership as a “long-term commitment to empowering global partners and accelerating intelligent mobility development across emerging markets.” He added that pairing Changan’s automotive technology with Yango’s regional network would enhance value for users while promoting safer, smarter, and more connected travel experiences.
Yango Group’s involvement aligns with its ongoing strategy to build integrated mobility ecosystems in Africa and the Middle East. The company, which operates the global ride-hailing platform Yango Ride, facilitates more than 1.2 billion trips annually and supports over two million active drivers. Through the new collaboration, Yango plans to leverage its data-driven technologies to improve ride accessibility, safety, and environmental performance, while raising fleet standards and supporting local driver networks.
“We are proud to join forces with Changan Automobile to accelerate the evolution of smart, sustainable mobility across the MEA region,” said Mr. Bolat, Senior Vice President of Mobility Business at Yango Group. He emphasized that combining Yango’s digital capabilities with Changan’s vehicle portfolio will help shape “the next generation of ride-hailing experiences” and contribute to more efficient, eco-conscious urban mobility.
The agreement represents a shift from traditional procurement models to a more integrated business approach involving joint brand initiatives and multi-model cooperation. Both companies plan to extend this partnership to additional markets across the region, using shared resources and expertise to promote smarter, greener mobility solutions.
For Changan, the partnership reinforces its commitment to deepening its footprint in international markets. With over three decades of presence in the Middle East and Africa and cumulative sales exceeding 400,000 vehicles in the region, the automaker continues to advance its “Vast Ocean Plan,” which focuses on intelligent and low-carbon transportation technologies.
By combining Changan’s manufacturing scale and engineering capabilities with Yango’s technological and operational reach, the partnership reflects a broader industry trend: global automakers and tech firms working together to develop sustainable transport infrastructure for rapidly growing markets.
