SemaBOX Africa has officially launched YEBO, a new encrypted file-sharing platform designed specifically for African creators, filmmakers, and businesses seeking a secure alternative to global platforms that have historically prioritized data exploitation over content protection.
Built on Mozilla’s open-source foundation, YEBO has been strategically re-engineered to address the unique challenges and realities facing African digital storytellers. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, SemaBOX recognized that African creators operate under distinct circumstances – from limited infrastructure to heightened data privacy concerns – and tailored the platform accordingly.
The platform offers a comprehensive suite of sharing capabilities that align with creators’ everyday workflows. Users can instantly upload and send video, audio, or any other file format via email, WhatsApp, or QR code, ensuring seamless transfers across multiple devices and operating systems. This multi-channel distribution approach reflects an understanding of how African creators actually communicate and collaborate within their networks.
Security and privacy form the core promise of YEBO. Every file transfer is fully encrypted, guaranteeing that users maintain complete ownership and privacy of their content. Recognizing growing concerns about unauthorized data usage, SemaBOX has made a critical commitment: files shared on YEBO will never be used to train artificial intelligence models, preventing creators from becoming unwitting contributors to AI systems built without their consent. Beyond encryption, users can further protect their intellectual property through password protection, download limits, and expiration dates, ensuring granular control over how their work is accessed.
“We’re bringing back full ownership and control to African creators,” stated the SemaBOX Africa team. “For too long, we’ve relied on global platforms that don’t prioritize our privacy or our intellectual property. YEBO changes that – it’s secure, simple, and built for us.”
The platform’s accessibility is particularly significant for creators working in remote locations with limited internet connectivity. YEBO’s clean interface and mobile-first design have been optimized for these real-world constraints, removing technical barriers that often exclude African professionals from digital infrastructure.
Currently, YEBO offers free file transfers of up to 2.5GB, democratizing access to secure file-sharing technology. The company plans to introduce paid tiers for larger file sizes and professional users in the coming months, allowing scalability without compromising the free foundation that serves grassroots creators.
Industry experts have recognized the launch as a timely response to growing demands for data protection and creative sovereignty. As concerns about intellectual property rights and data exploitation intensify across the continent, YEBO positions itself as a homegrown solution that fundamentally shifts power dynamics – from platforms that merely grant data access to one that ensures creators retain permanent ownership of their work.
The launch reflects SemaBOX Africa’s broader mission to build digital infrastructure grounded in African needs rather than imposed from abroad. By prioritizing security, accessibility, and creative independence, YEBO contributes to strengthening digital autonomy and innovation across the continent, offering African creators the freedom to share their work – whether films, music, or documents – without sacrificing control or exposure to exploitation.
