How a gig economy role is fueling a student’s future

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For Anxious, a 22-year-old social justice student at Kyambogo University, life once felt like an uphill battle against insurmountable odds.

Facing the reality that his parents couldn't cover both his tuition and living expenses, he was on the verge of giving up on his education.

Today, he is not only a self-sufficient student but a budding professional actively building the skills for his dream career, a transformation powered by his work as a rider using the Glovo app.

His journey began with an observation. Noticing the swarm of delivery riders at a local KFC, he saw a glimmer of opportunity. After learning that his own scooter would make the job even more profitable, he signed up.

The impact was immediate. Anxious went from a state of uncertainty to earning a reliable income that covered his rent and personal needs, restoring his hope and providing a crucial financial lifeline.

While the daily earnings provided immediate relief, Anxious soon discovered that Glovo's support system was designed to foster long-term success. His work is supported by “The Couriers Pledge,” a global initiative ensuring riders have a safety net that includes free accident insurance and access to safety gear. This framework of support allows him to navigate the city’s streets with confidence, knowing his well-being is a priority.

The most transformative support, however, has come in the form of professional development. Anxious dreams of becoming a “marketing guru,” a passion that felt distant from his social justice studies.

Glovo is helping him bridge that gap. Through the Glovo Academy, a free online learning platform, he has access to over 350 courses in areas like digital marketing, communication, and personal effectiveness. "Glovo is investing in my future," Anxious explains.

He is now one of the 571 couriers in Africa who have collectively completed over 2,670 courses through the platform, turning his delivery routes into a road toward his ultimate career goal.

Balancing his day program of lectures with afternoon and evening delivery sessions has taught Anxious invaluable time management skills. But his greatest learning has been in communication.

He attributes his success and the generous tips he receives to a simple strategy: proactive communication. By calling customers before he sets off, he ensures a smooth handover and builds a rapport that has earned him a stellar reputation.

This work has profoundly shaped his personal growth. He describes the journey as a transition “from childhood to manhood,” instilling a deep sense of responsibility.

He has not only purchased his own upgraded motorcycle but has also become a community influencer, inspiring 11 people in his circle to join the platform. The "social capital" he has built, the network of fellow riders, restaurant staff, and customers, is, to him, one of the most valuable assets he's gained.

Anxious is not just a rider; he is an advocate for his peers. He lauds Glovo for recently increasing pay for late-night deliveries but also has a clear vision for further improvements.

He suggests providing riders with rain gear and creating a system for long-term bike ownership to enhance loyalty and security.

"To any young person thinking about this kind of work, I would tell them that Glovo is straightforward and rewarding.

The more effort you put in, the more you earn. It is a platform that empowers you. For me, it was more than just a job, it was the vehicle that carried me from dependency to independence, from uncertainty to a future I can build for myself," he said.