By Caroline.N
Glovo, the global on-demand delivery platform, has officially launched its Glovo Academy in Uganda, a landmark initiative designed to empower local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the digital skills, business knowledge and market access needed to grow and compete in today’s fast-evolving economy. The programme represents a significant commitment by Glovo to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and the broader development of Uganda’s SME sector.
The Glovo Academy provides a comprehensive training curriculum for SMEs operating across food, retail, and essential services. Through a combination of online learning modules and interactive workshops, participants gain practical insights into e-commerce operations, digital marketing, logistics management, and customer engagement. The programme is designed to equip businesses with the tools necessary to scale efficiently, increase their visibility, and reach a wider audience on digital platforms.
Speaking at the launch event, Glovo Uganda’s Country Manager emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs in Uganda’s increasingly digital marketplace. “Our aim is to ensure that small businesses are not left behind as commerce increasingly moves online,” she said. “The Academy will provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge, practical skills, and resources to grow sustainably and thrive in a competitive environment.”
A key focus of the Academy is helping SMEs leverage data-driven decision-making. Entrepreneurs are trained to analyse consumer trends, optimise inventory management, and improve delivery efficiency. This capability, Glovo officials explained, is essential for businesses seeking to enhance their operational effectiveness and respond quickly to customer demand. The training also encourages businesses to adopt innovative practices that can increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction.
Participants in the pilot phase of Glovo Academy have already reported tangible benefits. Many have improved order management, streamlined operations, and enhanced their presence on the Glovo platform. Local business owners expressed optimism about the programme, noting that access to professional guidance and technological tools provides a competitive edge that was previously unavailable. One participant remarked, “The training has helped me understand how to manage my orders more efficiently and reach customers I never could before. It’s opening up new opportunities for my business.”
The initiative aligns closely with Uganda’s national agenda to promote entrepreneurship, economic inclusion, and digital literacy. SMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation, and Glovo Academy aims to strengthen their contribution by bridging the gap between traditional business practices and modern e-commerce solutions.
Local business associations have welcomed the programme, recognising its potential to transform the SME sector. They noted that by equipping entrepreneurs with digital skills and business management expertise, the Academy could help reduce operational inefficiencies, increase profitability, and foster resilience among small businesses.
Glovo’s regional strategy includes rolling out similar programmes across Africa, demonstrating the company’s commitment to supporting local enterprises and creating an ecosystem where SMEs can flourish. The initiative also provides mentorship opportunities, access to Glovo’s technology platform, and exposure to best practices in e-commerce, helping Ugandan businesses integrate seamlessly into the digital economy.
Looking ahead, Glovo Academy plans to expand its enrolment, offering advanced courses tailored to specific sectors and business needs. This expansion is expected to reach more entrepreneurs across the country, enhancing their ability to adopt digital tools, reach new customers, and grow sustainably. For Uganda’s SMEs, the programme represents a transformative opportunity to harness technology, professional training, and global platform exposure to strengthen their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
With the launch of Glovo Academy, Ugandan SMEs are better positioned than ever to navigate the digital economy, compete effectively, and seize new growth opportunities, signalling a promising future for entrepreneurship in the country.