Exit Jumia Food, enter Vuba Vuba – MD Albert Munyabugingo on how new food delivery service plans to cater to Rwandan market
Last month it was announced that Jumia was suspending their food delivery services here in Rwanda, the news came amidst reports that the Pan-African e-commerce company had already shut down operations in several other African countries.
Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:10:24 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The closure of Jumia's operations in Rwanda led to the launch of Vuba Vuba, a new food delivery service by former Jumia MD Albert Munyabugingo, aimed at filling the gap in the market.
- Vuba Vuba, an independent entity built entirely in Rwanda, retains 80% of Jumia Food staff while operating under new contracts and agreements, signaling a fresh start in the Rwandan market.
- With plans for service expansion and diversification, Vuba Vuba seeks to innovate and cater to the unique needs of the Rwandan market, addressing challenges such as tech infrastructure and internet penetration outside Kigali.
In a recent CNBC Africa interview, Albert Munyabugingo, the former Managing Director of Jumia Rwanda, shed light on the closure of Jumia's operations in Rwanda and the launch of a new food delivery service, Vuba Vuba, to cater to the Rwandan market. Last December, Jumia announced the suspension of its operations in Rwanda, citing a strategic decision to refocus on larger markets. While the closure came as a surprise to many loyal customers in Kigali, Munyabugingo emphasized that the move was not a result of the business being unsustainable in Rwanda. Instead, it was a strategic reallocation of resources to strengthen operations in other markets. Vuba Vuba, the new venture, aims to build on the success of Jumia Food by offering a similar on-demand food delivery platform with a local touch. Leveraging the expertise of former Jumia staff, Vuba Vuba is an independent entity that focuses on serving the Rwandan community with a homegrown approach. Munyabugingo highlighted that the new platform is entirely built in Rwanda, from the ground up, showcasing a commitment to local empowerment and sustainability. While Vuba Vuba retains 80% of the previous Jumia Food staff, Munyabugingo explained that the new entity operates under different contracts and agreements, signaling a fresh start in the Rwandan market. With the freedom to innovate and adapt to local needs, Vuba Vuba aims to offer a more tailored and efficient service to customers. Munyabugingo expressed optimism about the growth potential of Vuba Vuba beyond food delivery, hinting at future expansions and service diversification in Rwanda and possibly to other sectors. Challenges such as tech infrastructure and internet penetration outside Kigali are being addressed through strategic partnerships and a data-driven approach to ensure seamless operations across the country. As Vuba Vuba embarks on its journey to fill the gap left by Jumia Food, Munyabugingo is determined to provide a reliable and customer-centric service that resonates with the vibrant Rwandan market. The launch of Vuba Vuba represents a new chapter in the Rwandan food delivery industry, one that combines local expertise with a fresh perspective to meet the evolving needs of consumers. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Vuba Vuba is poised to make a significant impact in Rwanda's digital economy.