Glovo, a leading multi-category app platform, has marked a significant milestone in its global operations with the unveiling of its largest Real-Time Operations (RTO) Hub in Nairobi, Kenya. The state-of-the-art facility is a testament to Glovo’s commitment to driving youth employment, empowering SMEs, and fostering digital transformation in Kenya’s fast-growing economy.
The event, graced by Abubakar Hassan, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Trade & Investment (State Department Investment Promotion), was organized in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). During the occasion, Glovo was awarded its KNCCI membership certificate, further solidifying its strategic partnership with key stakeholders in the region.
The Nairobi RTO Centre stands out as a global benchmark for innovation, managing real-time operations for Glovo’s services in 23 countries. Over the past year, the hub has recorded an astounding growth of 1,778 percent, scaling its workforce from just 9 agents to over 160, with plans to exceed 300 employees within the next two years.
This rapid expansion highlights the hub’s critical role in ensuring seamless operations across key regions, including Kenya, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and Tunisia. Key teams within the RTO Centre include:
Centre of Excellence Team: Focused on operational efficiency and exceptional service delivery.
Global Acquisition Verification Team: Ensuring compliance and streamlining onboarding processes for riders globally.
Country-Level Operations Desk: Providing localized language support in Arabic, French, and other languages tailored to specific markets.
Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan lauded Glovo’s innovative contributions to Kenya’s e-commerce sector, emphasizing the RTO Centre’s pivotal role in digital and economic transformation. He noted that such initiatives set a precedent for international companies seeking to tap into Kenya’s dynamic and skilled workforce.
Glovo’s Nairobi operations play a vital role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for 70% of the businesses on its platform. By providing SMEs with the tools to scale, access broader markets, and thrive in the digital economy, Glovo is fostering sustainable growth and creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Caroline Mutuku, Glovo’s General Manager for Kenya, emphasized the company’s dedication to youth employment and talent development.
“This visit reaffirms our commitment to fostering a thriving SME ecosystem and driving Kenya’s digital economy forward. The youth form a significant segment of our workforce, and we are proud to harness the quality and availability of local talent across multiple skill sets and languages. Additionally, we encourage global companies to establish their hubs in Kenya, showcasing the country’s potential to lead in global innovation,” she said.
Chidera Akwuba, Glovo’s Regional Head of Government and Public Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the company’s broader mission. “Glovo’s partnerships with Kenyan businesses and stakeholders align with our vision of sustainable economic growth. By supporting SMEs and leveraging Kenya’s innovative ecosystem, we aim to create long-term value and impact for the Kenyan economy,” she
KNCCI representative Kiplimo Kigen commended Glovo’s dedication to creating employment opportunities and supporting SMEs, noting that the Nairobi hub demonstrates Kenya’s capacity to attract global investment and foster innovation.
“Glovo’s operations in Kenya are a testament to its dedication to economic growth and fostering employment opportunities. Partnerships like these empower youth and SMEs to thrive in the competitive digital landscape, reinforcing Glovo’s position as a key partner in Kenya’s digital transformation journey,” he said.
Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo is a trailblazing multi-category app that connects users with businesses and couriers, offering on-demand services from restaurants, grocers, supermarkets, and high-street retailers. Operating in 23 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, Glovo aims to build the world’s largest online marketplace, enabling access to anything within minutes.
As Glovo continues to expand its footprint in Kenya, the RTO Centre in Nairobi serves as a beacon of innovation and growth. By creating jobs, empowering SMEs, and supporting the nation’s digital economy, Glovo is paving the way for Kenya to emerge as a global leader in technology and economic transformation.