CEO Insights Magazine

Executive leaders are increasingly tuned in to the voices of grassroots movements and emerging entrepreneurs, recognizing that true success lies in inclusive growth. By embracing diversity and fostering global collaborations, they are building a future that paves the way for transformative change across the world. Naveen Yellambalse, COO of Jan- ngo .africa, began his career in Africa, working in e-Commerce with Jumia.

Initially based in Ivory Coast, Naveen took on various roles in business development, launching new business models and overseeing key initiatives. After a successful stint in Ivory Coast, he moved to a group-level role, where he led projects across multiple countries and sectors, such as Jumia’s classifieds and food delivery services. Jumia grew from a startup to a unicorn and eventually went public on the NYSE. Naveen’s entrepre-neurial drive led him to start his own ventures, but he later rejoined some of his former colleagues from Jumia at Janngo, a social startup studio and venture capital fund building digital ecosystems in high growth sectors across Africa.

In a recent interview with CEO Insights magazine, Naveen shared his strategies, future roadmap, and vision for the company. Let's read about it.

Can you share the sustainable practices Jan- ngo.africa has implemented and your vision for fostering a more sustainable future in busi- ness?

At Janngo.africa, we adopt a double bottom line approach, prioritizing both social and financial returns. Empowering women and youth is central to our mission, with over 50 percent of our ventures currently led by women. We focus on sectors with high growth potential while maintaining alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Environmental, Social, and

Governance (ESG) principles, ensuring that each venture contributes measurable value to its community and the broader economy.

Rather than a separate initiative, we’ve integrated sustainable practices across all operational areas, from investment decisions and studio venture development to the support we offer entrepreneurs and the partnerships we form. Our goal is to cultivate resilient, high-impact businesses capable of thriving in a dynamic market while contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

How would you describe your leadership style? What principles guide you in leading your team?

I see leadership as an opportunity to cultivate an environment of growth, collaboration, and empower- ment. I’ve been fortunate to work with a consistent team for nearly a decade, which has allowed us to build trust and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths. At Janngo, we prioritize nurturing internal talent through cross-functional learning, role rotation, and pairing individuals with complementary skills. Watching others grow and step into their potential is very fulfilling and a constant source of inspiration for me. Ultimately, I believe leadership is all about creating an environment that brings out the best in everyone.

How do you stay current with industry trends, and how do you use this knowledge to shape the future direction of your organization?

Being part of a dynamic startup studio gives us the unique privilege to explore a diverse range of industries across Africa, which constantly opens our eyes to new opportunities and challenges. We embrace a mindset of continuous experi- mentation, constantly testing and innovating. Every setback is seen as a chance to learn, refine, and grow. Our teams are driven by curiosity to find more scalable solutions that can have a broader impact. This agile approach keeps us aligned with industry trends and helps shape the future direction of our organization.

What is the long-term vision for your company, and what goals are you working towards?

Our long-term vision is to build an ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and empowers communities across Africa. With an emphasis on both financial and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact, we are committed to fostering a landscape where local talent and innovation can thrive. Achieving this vision involves providing not only funding but also training, operational support, knowledge-sharing, and strategic partnerships to help initiatives reach their full potential.

A key aspect of our approach is prioritizing women’s empower- ment, as research highlights that womenled ventures often lead to more inclusive economic growth and bring far-reaching community benefits. By focusing on these areas, we aim to create enduring, positive change across the region.

Based on your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the industry?

My journey has taught me that growth comes from a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning. It’s not just about acquiring skills, but about being open to new ideas, willing to take risks, and ready to adapt when things don’t go as planned. There were times when I faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, but each obstacle was an opportunity to learn, innovate, and become better. So my advice to emerging leaders is to focus on continuous learning. Never stop asking questions. Many qualities can support your journey, but maintaining a sense of curiosity and a commitment to learning will always help you find your way forward.

Naveen Yellambalse, COO, Janngo.africa

Naveen has a Master’s in Management from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He co-founded Tarayi Paris and served as a marketing director at Jumia Group, over seeing marketing across several key African markets.

•Hobbies: Meditation
•Favorite Book: Importance of Personality Defect Removal and inculcating Virtues
•Favorite Travel Destination: France