Glovo bets on AI to transform Kenya’s informal economy

Glovo is positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver in transforming Kenya’s informal economy, with the company unveiling new AI-driven solutions aimed at supporting merchants, riders and consumers during GITEX Kenya 2026.

Speaking at the summit held in Nairobi, Glovo Kenya Managing Director Caroline Mutuku said Africa’s AI future will depend on whether technology delivers practical solutions for businesses and workers operating in the everyday economy.

“For an everyday economy to thrive, technology must act as a bridge that helps solve the daily operational challenges experienced by local merchants, riders, and customers,” said Mutuku.

The company said it is already deploying predictive intelligence tools to help small merchants better forecast customer demand, reduce waste and identify peak trading periods, allowing businesses to improve efficiency and profitability.

For delivery riders, Glovo noted that AI-powered operational models are helping reduce idle time, improve delivery efficiency and stabilise earnings opportunities. The company also highlighted its collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority through an in-app safety feature that provides riding analytics aimed at encouraging safer road behaviour.

Glovo further said artificial intelligence is helping create more personalised experiences for customers by using data such as location, order history and time-of-day trends to improve recommendations on the platform.

The technology firm argued that AI adoption in Africa should focus less on futuristic concepts and more on solving practical day-to-day business challenges affecting informal traders and gig economy workers.

Beyond customer-facing operations, Glovo said automation tools are also improving internal efficiency across engineering, finance, legal and customer support teams.

The company also used the summit to strengthen its ties with Kenya’s startup ecosystem by awarding the Glovo Kenya PowerUp Award 2026 to Geoinfortrak International Limited during the GITEX Supernova Startup Challenge.

The award grants the startup a fully funded residency at Glovo’s headquarters in Barcelona, where founders will receive mentorship, investor exposure and networking opportunities aimed at accelerating international growth.

The company  focus on AI and startup development reflects growing competition among global technology firms seeking to tap into Kenya’s expanding digital economy and youthful innovation ecosystem.

Glovo said it remains committed to investing in technology and partnerships that create more inclusive economic opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs and workers.