Glovo has reaffirmed its commitment to practical, inclusive artificial intelligence solutions to support Kenya’s informal and digital economy at the recently concluded GITEX Kenya 2026.
The summit, hosted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, brought together startups, policymakers, investors, and technology leaders to discuss the future of Africa’s digital transformation.
During the event, Glovo awarded Geoinfortrak International Limited the Glovo Kenya PowerUp Award 2026, granting the startup a fully funded residency at Glovo’s global headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.
AI Must Solve Real Everyday Challenges, Says Glovo Kenya MD
Speaking during the flagship panel discussion themed “Smarter Informal Markets: AI for the Everyday Economy,” Caroline Mutuku said the success of artificial intelligence in Africa will depend on its ability to deliver practical solutions for ordinary users.
She noted that technology should help bridge operational gaps experienced daily by merchants, riders, and consumers within the informal economy.
“For an everyday economy to thrive, technology must act as a bridge that helps solve the daily operational challenges experienced by local merchants, riders, and customers,” said Mutuku.
According to Glovo, its AI-driven systems are already helping merchants predict demand trends, optimise inventory planning, minimise waste, and identify peak trading periods more effectively.
AI Improving Rider Efficiency and Safety
The company further explained that predictive operational models are helping delivery riders reduce idle time, improve efficiency, and stabilise earning opportunities.
Glovo also highlighted its collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority through an in-app rider safety feature that provides driving analytics to promote safer road behaviour.
On the consumer side, the platform said AI-powered personalisation tools are helping customers receive more relevant recommendations based on location, ordering patterns, and time-of-day trends.
Internally, Glovo noted that automation and workflow optimisation tools are also improving productivity across departments, including engineering, customer support, finance, operations, and legal services.
Kenyan Startup Wins Barcelona Residency Opportunity
As part of its broader innovation agenda, Glovo participated in the GITEX Supernova Startup Challenge as both a strategic ecosystem partner and official judge.
The company selected Geoinfortrak International Limited for the Glovo Kenya PowerUp Award 2026, recognising the startup’s potential to scale innovative solutions beyond Kenya into international markets.
Under the award, the startup will attend Startup Campus Week this October at Yellow Park, Glovo’s headquarters in Barcelona. The residency program will offer mentorship from Glovo executives, networking opportunities within Barcelona’s startup ecosystem, and investor pitch sessions aimed at accelerating international expansion.
Glovo Reaffirms Commitment to Kenya’s Digital Economy
Looking ahead, Glovo said it remains focused on strengthening Kenya’s digital economy through investments in entrepreneurship, local partnerships, and technology-driven solutions designed to expand economic opportunities for businesses and independent workers.
The company emphasised that practical AI deployment, rather than experimental innovation alone, will play a key role in enabling more inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
