In a bold step to transform Kenya’s digital economy, global tech platform Glovo signed a contract with Kenya’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on June 3 in Nairobi.
The deal, unveiled by Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua and Glovo CEO Oscar Pierre, aims to create jobs, expand the platform economy, and upskill youth through digital training—all aligned with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Glovo’s KSh 2 billion investment to drive youth employment and innovation
As part of the agreement, Glovo will invest KSh 2 billion by 2027, aiming to increase employment by 50 percent. This investment is expected to create 1,200 new youth opportunities, with 200 direct jobs, 90 percent of which will be filled by young Kenyans.
In addition, Glovo plans to support 1,200 riders and onboard 2,400 new merchants, generating over 10,000 indirect jobs in the digital and delivery economy.
Labour CS Dr. Mutua praised the initiative, calling it a model for responsible public-private partnership.
“I commend Glovo for its responsible innovation and commitment to youth employment. We look forward to co-creating policies that protect workers while supporting enterprise and innovation,” he said.
Oscar Pierre, Glovo’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted Kenya’s role as a rising tech hub. “Kenya’s vibrant energy and digital ambition inspire us,” he stated.
Digital literacy, merchant support, and the Glovo access program
Beyond job creation, the partnership has a strong digital inclusion component. Glovo will triple support for digital and business skills, training over 1,200 partners to thrive in the platform economy.
The company also plans to deliver 3.4 million meals to vulnerable communities via its Glovo Access program, reinforcing its social impact agenda.
In line with its commitment to decent work, Glovo is expanding its Glovo+ initiative, an evolution of the original Courier Pledge. This program ensures better health, safety, and social rights for riders, aligned with Kenya’s labour protection goals.
The Ministry of Labour will work closely with Glovo to ensure the evolving policy environment supports innovation while safeguarding platform workers.
Kenya as Glovo’s future digital hub for Africa
Looking further ahead, Glovo plans to invest KSh 16 billion by 2030, positioning Kenya as its African digital operations hub. This long-term vision includes 1,000 direct jobs and over 20,000 indirect opportunities, with a focus on empowering youth, small businesses, and digital entrepreneurs.
The collaboration marks one of Kenya’s most significant platform economy investments to date. It is expected to accelerate digital transformation, promote inclusive economic growth, and solidify Kenya’s status as Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
In Pierre’s words, “Glovo is not just a partner in progress, we are an economic infrastructure ally. We believe in Kenya’s potential as Africa’s ‘Silicon Savannah’ and are committed to building a stronger digital future.”