Delivery platform Glovo recorded a 40 per cent rise in orders in Kenya last year, as more consumers turn to apps for groceries, meals and everyday goods.
The Spanish-founded company disclosed the growth at its inaugural Future of Commerce Summit in Nairobi on Thursday, where it also showcased AI-powered shopping tools.
Glovo currently operates in 12 towns and cities in Kenya, with more than 6,000 merchants and over 2,200 riders active daily.
Businesses on the platform have generated more than Sh20 billion in sales since Glovo entered Kenya in 2019, with about 80 per cent of that value going to small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The way Kenyans shop is changing, and businesses must adapt to these new consumer expectations,” said Caroline Mutuku, Glovo’s country managing director for Kenya.
“Today, a customer wants convenience, choice, and the ability to access everyday products seamlessly without necessarily visiting a physical store,” she said.
Glovo is betting on artificial intelligence to drive the next phase of growth. Its in-app AI assistant, which integrates language models such as ChatGPT and Claude, lets users type what they want in plain language instead of scrolling through menus.
The firm says the shift is also opening the platform to non-food brands. Consumer electronics maker oraimo has seen stronger visibility through Glovo’s search tools.
“It is no longer just about traditional retail; it is about meeting the modern consumer exactly where they are in the digital space, on demand,” said Saixu Fan, regional manager at oraimo.
Earlier this year, Glovo committed to invest a further Sh10 billion in Kenya by 2030 to expand into more towns beyond Nairobi.
The Nairobi summit follows a similar event in Lagos, Nigeria, in April, as the company pushes its quick commerce model across Africa.
Glovo faces stiff competition in Kenya’s delivery market from rivals including Uber Eats and Bolt Food, as well as retailers building their own delivery services.
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By Nixon Kanali
Tech journalist based in Nairobi. I track and report on tech and African startups. Founder and Editor of TechTrends Media. Nixon is also the East African tech editor for Africa Business Communities. Send tips to kanali@techtrendsmedia.co.ke.