Glovo, the international technology platform, has successfully launched the first-ever Glovo Academy in Kampala, marking a significant commitment to strengthening the local food and retail ecosystem.
The inaugural edition of the Academy is designed to equip local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the critical operational, digital, and financial skills needed to thrive and ensure sustainable growth in Uganda’s increasingly competitive digital landscape.
The program directly addresses the need to bridge the gap between traditional business practices and the demands of the modern, on-demand economy.
Toolkit for the Digital Age
The Glovo Academy delivered a series of practical workshops and seminars focused on immediate, high-impact improvements for participants. These sessions were meticulously crafted to provide SMEs with the tools and insights to scale efficiently, which include:
Digital Marketing: Training focused on leveraging the platform for effective digital food marketing to reach a wider customer base.
Operational Efficiency: Participants learned best practices for reducing preparation times, managing costs, and streamlining the kitchen-to-customer process.
Technology Mastery: A core component involved the practical use of Glovo’s digital tools, including operating the Sunmi device and utilising the platform to accurately track orders and delivery times.
Financial Literacy: Seminars emphasised crucial business skills such as financial planning, budgeting, and making strategic, data-driven decisions to ensure long-term profitability.
Denis Duke Wonaila from Sungura House affirmed the immediate impact of the peer-to-peer learning, saying, “The most valuable part of the Academy was realising that we are not operating in silos. We walked away with a clear strategy on how to reduce our preparation times and manage our costs better, which is crucial for our survival and growth in this economy.”
Empowering Resilience and Scaling Ambition
Ivy Maingi, General Manager for Glovo Uganda, articulated the strategic vision behind the Academy’s launch.
“Launching the first-ever Glovo Academy in Uganda is a testament to our deep commitment to this market. We recognise that Ugandan entrepreneurs are incredibly resilient, and our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional business models and the digital economy,” said Maingi.
“By providing these essential tools and insights, we are not just facilitating deliveries; we are empowering local SMEs to scale efficiently and compete at a world-class level,” she added.
She noted that beyond immediate operational gains, the program encourages a focus on strategic growth planning, teaching participants how to analyse customer behavior and design effective promotions to increase revenue.
Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem
The inaugural cohort also prioritised fostering collaboration, which is essential for innovation in the local food sector. Networking sessions allowed restaurant owners and industry experts to share experiences, exchange ideas, and develop innovative solutions to common challenges, strengthening community ties.
The successful delivery of the Glovo Academy highlights the platform’s role as a strategic partner to the local economy.
By combining technology with critical business training, Glovo is strengthening Uganda’s local food ecosystem, supporting small businesses’ growth, and ensuring a high-quality experience for customers across Kampala.