By David Mwanje
Glovo, the on demand delivery platform, marked its fifth anniversary in Uganda with the opening of a state of the art office at AHA Towers, Lourdel Road, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the nation’s digital commerce and green economy. Since launching in 2020, Glovo has invested UGX 33 billion, created 6,000 jobs, and partnered with over 3,000 local merchants 95% of them small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) generating UGX 143 billion in direct economic value.
This milestone underscores Glovo’s dominance in Uganda’s delivery sector, where it has outmaneuvered competitors like Jumia Food and Bolt Food through innovation, sustainability, and unmatched scale.
According to 256business blog, Glovo’s standout achievement is its pivot to green logistics, making Uganda its most eco-friendly market worldwide. In 2024, 37% of orders were delivered using electric or non-combustion vehicles, the highest share in Glovo’s global network. Currently, 39% of its riders use electric motorbikes, with a bold plan to scale this to 70% through a partnership with Ugandan e-mobility firm Zembo.
This shift has slashed Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 21% and cut riders’ fuel costs by 58%, saving them approximately UGX 84,500 monthly. “Uganda is a remarkable growth story for Glovo,” said Ivy Maingi, Country Manager. “We’re enabling digital commerce, creating thousands of income opportunities, and building our greenest delivery operation.” This sustainability edge sets Glovo apart from competitors, who have been slower to adopt eco-friendly fleets, leaving them lagging in both environmental impact and cost efficiency.
While Jumia Food grapples with operational inefficiencies and high costs, and Bolt Food struggles with limited market reach, Glovo’s tech-driven platform and expansive merchant network have fueled its meteoric rise. Operating in Kampala, Mukono, and Entebbe, Glovo has tapped into the growing demand for digital payments and cashless commerce, positioning itself to double its Uganda business within two years.
Across Africa, the company generated over €1 billion in direct economic value for 45,000 businesses 90% SMEs between 2020 and 2024. Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, lauded Glovo’s contribution to “sustainable economic growth through innovation,” highlighting its role as an industry pacesetter.
The new Kampala office will serve as a hub for partner support, rider engagement, and recruitment, amplifying Glovo’s momentum. By empowering SMEs and prioritizing rider welfare through cost-saving green initiatives, Glovo has built a loyal ecosystem that competitors struggle to replicate. Its focus on scalability and sustainability positions it as a blueprint for the future of on-demand services in Uganda.
Glovo’s dominance stems from its strategic blend of scale, sustainability, and SME empowerment. Jumia Food’s high operational costs and inconsistent service quality have hindered its growth, while Bolt Food’s narrower geographic focus limits its impact. Glovo’s partnership with Zembo and its electric vehicle push align with global ESG trends, delivering both environmental benefits and rider savings that foster loyalty and efficiency.
By leveraging digital payments and a vast merchant network, Glovo has captured urban markets, setting a high bar for competitors. As it eyes further expansion, Glovo’s innovative approach ensures it will continue to lead Uganda’s delivery landscape, leaving rivals scrambling to keep pace.
