BUSINESS

Glovo Kenya’s GM Caroline Mutuku champions innovation and inclusivity at University of Nairobi’s tech week expo

Glovo Kenya’s Country General Manager, Caroline Mutuku, made a compelling case for innovation, mentorship, and gender inclusivity at the University of Nairobi’s Tech Week Expo.

In a captivating panel discussion titled Women Shaping the Future of Technology, Mutuku offered a wealth of insights, emphasizing the need for forward-thinking approaches in the tech industry.

Mutuku began her session by underscoring the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). “Being a role model means not only keeping up with changing trends but also sharing knowledge to empower others,” she remarked, calling on aspiring tech leaders to embrace continuous learning.

A staunch advocate for innovation, Mutuku encouraged the audience to adopt a proactive mindset towards problem-solving. “Don’t just settle for good; strive for excellence. Let your work be your signature. As I always say, ‘Let excellence be your brand.’ Remember, you stand on the shoulders of giants,” she said, highlighting the value of building on the knowledge and experiences of industry pioneers.

Since taking the helm in 2022, Mutuku has overseen a significant expansion of Glovo’s operations in Kenya. Under her leadership, the company’s courier network has nearly doubled, growing from 700 to 1,300 couriers. This expansion has created substantial economic opportunities, particularly for the country’s youth. Mutuku also emphasized Glovo’s role in supporting local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that delivery platforms like Glovo were crucial in helping restaurant partners navigate challenging times.

Highlighting Glovo’s commitment to local businesses, Mutuku introduced the Glovo Local initiative, which provides training and digital tools to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the retail and restaurant sectors. Through programs such as social media training and sustainable packaging promotion, Glovo aims to boost market access and growth for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

Addressing gender inclusivity, Mutuku shared impressive statistics about Glovo’s leadership structure. Notably, women lead four of Glovo’s six African markets, including Kenya, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. Additionally, Glovo’s Global Chief Technology Officer is a Kenyan woman, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering female leadership. Mutuku also pointed to Glovo’s internal mentorship program, which focuses on developing future female leaders, as a key pillar of the company’s inclusivity strategy.

Mutuku’s message was clear: “Embrace the opportunities, learn from your mentors, and make your mark on the world.” She advised the audience to build a supportive network, practice accountability, and maintain a balanced approach as they advance in their careers.

In a bid to nurture the next generation of tech professionals, Mutuku announced the launch of a new graduate trainee program for sales executives. This initiative aims to provide recent graduates with hands-on experience and career opportunities in the tech industry, aligning with Glovo’s vision of investing in young talent.

Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo has rapidly grown into a leading multi-category app operating across 23 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. The platform connects users with businesses and couriers, offering a wide range of on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers, supermarkets, and retail stores. Glovo’s vision is to build the largest online marketplace, providing city residents with access to products and services within minutes.

Caroline Mutuku’s participation at the University of Nairobi’s Tech Week Expo served as a powerful reminder of the crucial roles that innovation, mentorship, and gender inclusivity play in shaping the future of the tech industry. Her insights and leadership continue to inspire a new generation of tech leaders in Kenya and beyond.

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