Glovo, a technology company, has reported a 40% year-on-year increase in orders in Kenya, highlighting the growing demand for digital shopping. The company shared the figures during its inaugural Future of Commerce Summit in Nairobi on 23 October 2026. The summit focused on the growing role of digital marketplaces in connecting businesses with customers seeking convenience, speed and a wider range of products. Retailers, business leaders and technology partners discussed how artificial intelligence and changing consumer preferences are transforming Kenya's retail sector.
The discussions came as more businesses explore online platforms to reach consumers without the cost of establishing additional physical outlets. This creates new opportunities for retailers and brands to serve customers through on-demand services. Glovo showcased its in-app AI assistant as an example of how technology is changing the online shopping experience. The feature integrates language models, including ChatGPT and Claude, allowing customers to describe what they want using everyday language rather than relying solely on traditional menu searches.
Glovo's Country Managing Director in Kenya, Caroline Mutuku, said businesses needed to respond to changing consumer expectations by making products more accessible through digital channels. "The way Kenyans shop is changing, and businesses must adapt to these new consumer expectations," Mutuku said. She added that consumers increasingly wanted convenience, choice and access to everyday products without having to visit physical shops. According to Mutuku, the next phase of commerce would depend on businesses taking advantage of digital platforms to strengthen their relationships with customers and retail partners.
Glovo is also seeking to expand the range of products available through its platform, creating opportunities for brands outside the food sector. Its partnership with consumer electronics brand oraimo illustrates how on-demand commerce can help businesses reach customers looking for products such as smart accessories. Saixu Fan, oraimo's Regional Manager, said the partnership reflected changing expectations around how consumers access electronics and other everyday products.
Since entering Kenya in 2019, Glovo has expanded its network to 12 towns and cities, supporting more than 6,000 merchants and over 2,200 active riders daily. Businesses operating on the platform have generated more than KSh 20 billion in sales since its entry into the market, according to the company. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately 80% of that value. The figures highlight the role digital marketplaces can play in providing smaller businesses with access to customers and sales opportunities that might otherwise require significant investment in physical retail infrastructure.
The 40% annual increase in orders recorded in 2025 also points to growing adoption of on-demand services. Glovo commits additional KSh 10 billion to Kenya by 2030, an undertaking announced earlier in the year as the company seeks to strengthen its operations and expand its reach. The planned investment is expected to support growth beyond Nairobi, bringing the platform's services to more towns and cities as demand for digital commerce increases.
The summit builds on Glovo's plan to invest in Kenya and forms part of its broader effort to promote discussions on the future of digital commerce across Africa. The Nairobi summit followed the second edition of the company's Future of Commerce Summit in Lagos, Nigeria, in April 2026. As companies explore new ways to serve customers, Glovo is positioning its platform as a channel through which retailers can expand their reach and respond to demand for convenient access to products.
Key points
- Glovo reports 40% year-on-year increase in orders in Kenya.
- The company plans to invest an additional KSh 10 billion in Kenya by 2030.
- Glovo's platform supports over 6,000 merchants and 2,200 active riders daily.
