As Uganda’s digital economy rapidly evolves, Glovo Uganda has emerged as a leading force in connecting local businesses to technology and transforming how Ugandans access goods and services.
At the heart of this transformation is Ivy Maingi, the company’s General Manager, who is steering Glovo toward sustainable growth, innovation, and community empowerment.
In an exclusive interview with The Sisimua Uganda, Ivy shared insights into her leadership journey, Glovo’s economic impact, and her vision for Uganda’s digital commerce future.
Ivy joined Glovo in January 2023 as the Commercial Manager for Kenya, where she led strategic growth across key business segments.
Her success there paved the way for her move to Uganda in April 2024, a market she describes as “vibrant, full of potential, and powered by young entrepreneurs.”
“My leadership style is built on curiosity, clarity, and collective success,” Ivy explains. “I believe in asking tough questions, setting clear goals, and empowering teams to thrive.”
In 2025, Glovo celebrated five years in Uganda, marking the milestone with an investment of UGX 33 billion (about USD 8.6 million).
The investment has generated over 6,000 jobs, including opportunities for delivery riders, partner restaurant workers, and small shop owners.
More than 3,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) now use Glovo to reach customers online — a move that has created UGX 143 billion in direct economic value.
“Uganda is also our greenest market,” Ivy proudly notes. “Nearly 40 percent of our deliveries are made using electric motorbikes, showing that digital growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Like many tech startups in Africa, Glovo has had to navigate infrastructure challenges, fluctuating fuel prices, and digital literacy gaps. Ivy says these challenges have shaped her leadership approach.
“In Africa, growth isn’t linear. You must be creative, patient, and build systems that last,” she says. “We focus on building strong foundations and empowering teams to solve problems locally.”
Under Ivy’s leadership, Glovo has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering local businesses and promoting digital inclusion.
The company works closely with the Ugandan government and regulators to promote fair policies that support innovation and protect small entrepreneurs.
“Technology should be a partner in development,” Ivy emphasizes. “By collaborating with policymakers, we ensure that our platform benefits both consumers and businesses.”
Glovo is also investing in community-driven innovation — testing new services like hyperlocal grocery delivery, eco-friendly packaging, and digital training for small retailers.
Looking ahead, Ivy envisions Glovo as Uganda’s most trusted platform for everyday convenience — from food and groceries to household essentials.
“In the next five years, our focus is on operational excellence, sustainability, and empowering even more local entrepreneurs,” she says. “Our mission is simple: to build Africa by empowering local businesses with technology.”
“To our partners, customers, and riders — thank you for trusting Glovo,” Ivy says warmly. “Every order we deliver supports a business, meets a customer’s need, and sustains a livelihood. Together, we’re building Uganda’s digital future.”
Glovo, founded in Spain in 2015, operates in over 25 countries, offering on-demand delivery of food, groceries, and essentials. In Uganda, it continues to play a vital role in creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
