On-demand delivery and quick commerce platform Glovo has appointed Kolawole Kolawole as its new General Manager for Uganda, as the company intensifies efforts to expand its footprint and support the growth of the country’s digital economy.
The appointment comes as Glovo seeks to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, improve customer experience and accelerate innovation in Uganda’s rapidly evolving digital commerce sector.
Kolawole brings extensive experience in marketing, commercial strategy and digital commerce, having previously held senior leadership positions at companies including Danone, Airtel and Jumia in Nigeria.
A trained pharmacist with First Class Honours from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, Kolawole has built a career focused on business growth, technology adoption and market expansion.
Before taking up the Uganda role, Kolawole spent three years with Glovo Nigeria, including two years leading the company’s Commerce division, where he played a key role in expanding commercial partnerships, improving merchant engagement and driving revenue growth.
Speaking about his appointment, Kolawole said the new role reflects the confidence placed in him following the team’s achievements in Nigeria.
“This appointment is a testament to the incredible work our team has done in Nigeria. Together, we built strong commercial partnerships, enhanced quality across our marketplace, and achieved significant revenue growth. I am honoured by the trust Glovo has placed in me to replicate that success in Uganda and work alongside a talented local team to unlock the market’s enormous potential,” he said.
As General Manager, Kolawole said his focus will be on positioning Glovo Uganda as a key player in the country’s digital economy while developing Uganda into a regional talent hub for East Africa.
“My vision is to make Glovo Uganda a talent house for East Africa by nurturing exceptional local talent, creating economic opportunities, and contributing meaningfully to the region’s digital transformation,” he said.
He added that supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will remain a major priority, noting that about 95 percent of Glovo’s merchant partners are SMEs.
“We want every SME that partners with Glovo to fully embrace digital commerce. Through continuous training, education and long-term partnerships, we will equip businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace,” Kolawole said.
Kolawole said Uganda’s youthful population, growing urbanisation and increasing adoption of technology present significant opportunities for digital commerce expansion.
“While digital penetration remains relatively low compared to more mature markets, Uganda has tremendous potential. By providing the right customer experience through the everyday app, we can accelerate the growth of the digital economy and create value for businesses, customers and riders alike,” he said.
Under his leadership, Glovo Uganda plans to continue investing in technology, operational efficiency and service quality to enhance customer experience.
The company also intends to expand its merchant and rider development programmes through Glovo Academies, which provide training in business management, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
In addition, Glovo is continuing efforts to promote sustainable transport solutions through partnerships that enable riders to access electric motorcycles through flexible financing options.
Kolawole said the company will also focus on building a high-performing team by creating professional growth opportunities, expanding leadership responsibilities and connecting local employees to international training opportunities through Glovo’s global network.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in Uganda’s economic potential and Glovo’s role in supporting sustainable growth.
“Uganda is a growing economy with enormous potential. Today’s Uganda is the smallest it will ever be, and Glovo wants to be a catalyst for sustainable development in all the cities where we operate,” he said.
