In a momentous celebration of five years of impacting lives and driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, Glovo inaugurated a new office in Kampala on Thursday, marking a fresh chapter focused on scaling its operations, enhancing digital tools, and pioneering a greener economy.
The leading tech platform’s journey in Uganda since 2020 has been a remarkable growth story, characterised by significant investment, job creation, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
This milestone underscores how the platform economy can be a powerful driver of innovation and sustainable growth for the nation.
“Glovo’s work in Uganda over the past five years shows how the platform economy can drive innovation, create jobs, and support our transition to greener transport solutions. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure more Ugandans benefit from digital opportunities while contributing to sustainable economic growth,” said Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent Industrial Value Chains Development at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Platform for Economic Growth and Job Creation
Since launching in Uganda, Glovo has demonstrated a robust commitment to the local economy. The company has invested Shs33 billion in the country, creating over 6,000 jobs across its direct staff and indirect opportunities for partners and riders.
With a network of over 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute 95% of its partners, Glovo has become an essential tool for local businesses to digitise and expand their reach.
The platform has generated an impressive Shs143 billion in direct economic value for its partners since 2020.
This empowerment of local businesses is a cornerstone of Glovo’s impact, as it enables them to thrive in the digital marketplace.
Furthermore, over 3,000 riders have leveraged Glovo’s platform to access flexible income opportunities, highlighting the role of the platform economy in fostering digital entrepreneurship.
Ivy Maingi, Glovo Uganda Country Manager, emphasised this saying, “Uganda has been a remarkable growth story for Glovo. We are proud to celebrate five years of enabling digital commerce, creating thousands of income opportunities, and building the greenest delivery operation in our global network. The opening of our new Kampala office marks the start of our next growth chapter, one focused on scale, digital tools for partners, and expanded EV adoption.”
Pioneering a Green Economy
Glovo’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart, positioning Uganda as its “greenest market worldwide.” In 2024, an impressive 37% of all orders were delivered using non-combustion or electric vehicles, the highest share in Glovo’s global network.
Currently, 39% of riders partner with Glovo using electric vehicles, a number the company plans to increase to 70% through a strategic partnership with Zembo, a Ugandan electric mobility company that provides subsidies for electric motorbikes.
This transition to electric mobility has a dual benefit: it reduces the carbon footprint, with electric motorbikes emitting 21% less CO₂ than their petrol counterparts, and it offers significant economic advantages for riders. Riders can save an average of Shs84,500 per month on fuel costs, a substantial saving that boosts their earnings and quality of life.
Future Outlook and Scaling for Greater Impact
With operations in Kampala, Mukono, and Entebbe, Glovo plans to double its size in the next two years. This expansion will not only drive digital inclusion and local economic growth but also contribute to a cashless economy by promoting digital payments.
The new Kampala office, located at AHA Towers, will serve as a central hub for supporting partners, engaging with riders, and recruiting new talent, further solidifying Glovo’s position as a key player in Uganda’s evolving digital landscape.