KENYA – Global on-demand delivery platform Glovo, has launched its first African micro fulfilment centre in Nairobi, Kenya, expanding its ‘Q-commerce’ division -next generation e-commerce.

The new Glovo Market, is an extension of its Q-Commerce that consumers use to order from retail and neighbourhood stores and have the supplies delivered at their preferred location.

With the new offering, individuals and small businesses with or without a brick-and-mortar footprint can sell the products on Glovo’s platform which will be fulfilled through its warehousing and logistics services.

Glovo Market will be accessible through Glovo’s app or website and closed to walk in customers.

“We believe that micro fulfillment centers represent an important part of the future of post-pandemic retail, and I think we will see a permanent shift to consumers buying groceries and other essential and convenience items from an app and website, rather than making such trips in person.”

Oscar Pierre – CEO & Co-founder of Glovo

The launch of the new service comes at a time that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the traditional retail set up.

Oscar Pierre, CEO & Co-founder of Glovo said, “We believe that micro fulfillment centers represent an important part of the future of post-pandemic retail, and I think we will see a permanent shift to consumers buying groceries and other essential and convenience items from an app and website, rather than making such trips in person.

“Glovo ensures the fastest delivery times in Kenya and the new micro-fulfillment center will help bring new innovations to the sector. We are excited to continue to expand our offering with new technological solutions and highly efficient infrastructure.”

By opening up the micro-fulfillment center, Glovo is also creating job opportunities and giving distributors and retailers additional sales channels.

The Spanish delivery startup has joined the likes of Jumia, Copia and Kilimall, who have ventured in the segment and spread across the country.

In April 2021, the company raised €450 million in its Series F funding round led by New York-based investment managers Lugard Road Capital and the Luxor Capital Group which is the largest in history for a Spanish start-up.

Glovo said it will pump the money into expanding its footprint in the 20 markets in which it currently operates.

The focus of the funding will centre around its Q-Commerce division and deepening its unique multi-category offerings.

The on-demand platform recently launched its operations in Ghana, making it the second market in West Africa and the fifth African country after Kenya, Morocco, Uganda and Cote d’Ivoire.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE