Glovo to Invest $123M in Kenya’s Gig Economy, Create 20,000+ Jobs by 2030

Global delivery platform Glovo has signed a strategic partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, marking one of the largest private-sector investments in the country’s gig economy.

Backed by a $123 million (KSh 16 billion) commitment through 2030, the company aims to establish Kenya as its central digital hub for Africa.

Unlike typical tech expansion models, Glovo’s initiative is grounded in inclusive economic growth. Over the next two years, it will invest $15.4 million (KSh 2 billion), with plans to create 200 direct jobs, 90% of them for young Kenyans, and over 10,000 indirect jobs through partnerships with more than 2,400 local merchants. Additionally, it will offer 1,200 flexible rider opportunities, 85% of which will go to youth.

The initiative also includes tripling digital literacy and business training for over 1,200 platform partners and distributing 3.4 million meals to vulnerable communities through its Glovo Access program. These steps are part of a long-term strategy to embed economic impact at the core of Glovo’s operations, not corporate philanthropy.

“Responsible innovation,” said Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, describing Glovo’s approach. He underscored the need for policy frameworks that protect workers while encouraging digital transformation across sectors.

Glovo’s Glovo+ programme aims to ensure rider health, safety, and social protections, a move designed to avoid the regulatory challenges gig platforms have faced in Europe and elsewhere.

This comes as earlier in the year, the Spain-based company said it had chosen Kenya as the location for its global real-time operations hub. The Nairobi hub will function as the central operations center for Glovo’s activities across its 23 markets. It will also employ a team of over 160 agents, providing 24/7 support to ensure the platform runs efficiently and smoothly.